Lungani Zungu
President Cyril Ramaphosa appears to have won the hearts and political loyalties of the ANC leadership in KwaZulu-Natal.
Both premier Sihle Zikalala and provincial secretary Mdumiseni Ntuli are now enforcing the ANC rule that leaders charged by the police should step aside immediately.
This is a critical turning point for Ramaphosa, who will need the backing of the province to secure a second term as leader of the ANC.
After the 10 years that Jacob Zuma and his allies had a tight grip on power in the province, the ANC in KZN took a hard line and told party leaders who are facing charges to step aside voluntarily.
Former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede, now a backbencher in the provincial legislature, and deputy ANC provincial chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu, are among the leaders who would get the chop. Nationally, the step-aside rule might see Ace Magashule relinquishing his powerful position as secretary-general.
The 30-day deadline given to ANC leaders serving in government or in the party to step aside expires in two weeks.
KZN party spokesperson Nhlakanipho Ntombela said no one is above the party.
“The NEC is the highest decision-making body, and we respect its wisdom. If people put their own interests ahead of the party, this would cripple our organisation.”
Gumede faces charges relating to the R400 million Durban Solid Waste tender. Mabuyakhulu is facing charges relating to the failed jazz festival five years ago. Magashule is out on R200,000 bail over the dodgy asbestos tender in the Free State when he was Premier of the province.
ANC NEC member Nomvula Mokonyane said: “All those who are affected by the step-aside resolution must respect the processes of the ANC and step aside until they are cleared.”
