Could Step-aside be the Achilles heel of the ANC?

It looks like the party’s step aside is showing it flames. The election of criminally charged in Mpumalanga and Ethekwini proves to be the Achilles heel of the African National Congress.

This is as Mandla Msibi who is facing murder and attempting murder charges was elected Treasurer of Mpumalanga ANC while Zandile Gumede who is facing corruption charges was elected chairperson of Ethekwini region much to the disapproval of the ANC President.

Following Msibi’s election, Ramaphosa asked branches to be conscious of doing the opposite of the highest decision concerning step-aside which was followed by a letter from Treasure General; Paul Mashatile asking Msibi to step aside.

The Step aside rule, simply means that members of the party who are facing corruption charges must, step aside from their roles and no longer represent the party or participate in any activities on any platform.

The step aside issue has been a thorny matter since its implementation with the suspended secretary-general, Ace Magashule having challenged it in court and lost.

While many say it’s a good move for the ANC to cleanse itself, those opposed to it are saying it’s used fractionally.

The president of veterans Snuki Zikakala blamed the lack of political education in branches as the ANC just accepts any member joining without any political education.

Zikalala told 702’s Bongani Bingwa the liberation movement has not had massive political school education since 1998.

In essence, those who joined after 1998 have never been politically schooled.

The ANC adopted “Eye of the Needle” in 2001 which aimed to assist the ruling party with branch roles and leadership but like Freedom Charter, the document is as good as forgotten.

The Eye of the needle takes one through the process of becoming a member and leader.

Page 26 reads, “A leader should lead by example. He should be above reproach in his political and social conduct.”

Do leaders even know this?

What’s even interesting is the fact that the ANC itself speaks of ensuring the integrity of the membership system but that’s not happening.

One would love to believe that every member of the ANC knows and understands the constitution of the party they love and vote for.

Generally, what would normal citizens think of criminally charged people in senior positions?

If what branches are choosing is anything to buy, the conference is going to be very interesting.

Do ordinary ANC members even care about these allegations?Could this mean that ANC branches don’t understand the perception of these members when they vote for them? Could it be that branches are not well informed or does this mean that branches are just pushing corruption?

We would most likely see the conference discuss step aside and should the conference agree to repeal it then it would mean anyone facing any charge can be nominated from the floor and be elected even in absentia.

This says a lot about branches.

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