ANC stands by its support for the step-aside resolution rejecting calls for it to be scrapped

The Africa National Congress (ANC) has decided to keep the step-aside resolution, with calls for it to be implemented fairly.

The RET-Taliban faction, which won against President Cyril Ramaphosa’s allies at the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) conference a week ago, failed to gather support in removing the step aside rule.

The KZN’s new leadership which is part of the radical economic transformation (RET) faction, arrived at the policy conference keen to have the step-aside rule scrapped. Those that called for the step-aside rule to be scrapped, arguing that it was used to fight factional battles and divide the party, failed to convince the plenary of 1800 delegates at the ANC policy conference.

President Cyril Ramaphosa gave the strongest indication that the party in in support of the renewal of the ANC and would not back down on the step-aside resolution in his opening speech on Friday.

“To renew the ANC we must end a number of bad practices that have seeped into our organisation. This requires that we must fully implement our 54^th national congress resolution,” Ramaphosa said

“On this there can be no going back and there can be no compromise. We cannot abandon our principled positions, for instance, on issues such as corruption, in pursuit of a false unity. The people of SA will not forgive us if we abandon the correct positions that we have taken on confronting wrongdoing within our ranks.”

If the step-aside rule was removed, it would have allowed RET leaders such as suspended secretary-general Ace Magashule, KZN strongwoman Zandile Gumede, and Danny Msiza to return to their jobs. It would allow former Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize to put his hat in the ring. Although Mkhize has not been formally charged, he has been implicated in the Digital Vibes scandal.

Source: Business Day, Eyewitness News, Daily Maverick, image from Twitter 

Doctor Mahlaule

Doctor Mahlaule previously worked as a Freelance Journalist at Find-it SA where he was responsible for writing news articles and sharing them on social media platforms. Doctor Mahlaule holds a Diploma in Journalism, BA in Communication Science and a BA Honours in Media Studies. Doctor began his journey as a knowledge Management and Communications Intern at Zenex Foundation. He was responsible for support in event management, social media, website maintenance, writing and brand management. On weekends Doctor attends prison ministry and shares the scriptures with inmates at Krugersdorp prison and plays soccer in the afternoon on some weekends. He has a passion for reading and writing and enjoys going out with friends and socialising in his spare time. He has a one-year-old son and is planning on getting married soon. When asked about what keeps him going, he said: “My family keeps me going. I’m the man I am because I come from a loving home. I have a very supportive family who always encourages me to keep pushing hard.”

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