The African National Congress' (ANC) new floor leader, Mdumiseni Ntuli, said she was aware that the swearing-in of party member Zizi Kodwa may be a cause for concern for South Africans. Ntuli spoke to SABC News about a range of issues.
Kodwa was sworn in as an ANC member of parliament this week despite appearing in court on corruption charges just two weeks ago. He also resigned as a minister and as a member of the ANC national executive committee.
Questions have been raised about whether Kodwa should become an MP given the ANC's retirement rules, and Ntuli says the issue is one of the few that the party leadership needs to clarify.
“Given the fact that people have concerns even within their own alliance, I have no doubt that the NEC through its officers will, in due course, reflect on the decision and take a position that will provide clarity not only to the alliance but to society at large,” Ntuli elaborated.
Video: ANC comes under fire as corruption suspect Zizi Kodwa is inaugurated
On Thursday, the ANC Veterans League criticised Kodwa's swearing-in in parliament as incomprehensible.
In a letter to ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, Yilva Langa SG of the Military Veterans' Union said the party's decision to allow Kodwa to be sworn in as an MP was nothing less than a misapplication of the retirement rules.
This comes as Kodwa, who is facing corruption charges amounting to R1.7 million, was released on R30,000 bail after his alleged role in state takeover.
Langa said the Veterans Federation will be proposing a review of the step-aside guidelines.
He added that Kodwa's personal interests should not be put above those of the ANC.
