The ANC has initiated disciplinary proceedings against five members after the party’s Integrity Commission found they had allegedly brought the organisation into disrepute. Among those implicated are former ministers Bheki Cele and Sisisi Tolashe.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula announced the decision during a media briefing at Luthuli House on Tuesday.
Mbalula said the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had received and considered a report from the party’s Integrity Commission concerning the five members. He praised the commission for its role in advancing the ANC’s renewal programme while promoting ethical leadership and good governance within the organisation.
The NEC fully endorsed the commission’s findings and recommendations and resolved to refer all five members to the ANC National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) for further action.
“The NEC shall refer all five matters to the National Disciplinary Committee of the African National Congress for action under the constitutional disciplinary process of the ANC, with the NEC itself serving as the complainant. The Office of the Secretary-General will implement the resolution in the ordinary course,” Mbalula said.
Addressing specific cases, Mbalula explained that Tolashe’s matter had been referred to the Integrity Commission by his office, while Johannesburg councillor Sithembiso Zungu was investigated over concerns relating to his conduct.
He further stated that Cele voluntarily appeared before the commission to address concerns surrounding his association with murder accused Vusimuzi Matlala.
“Sisisi Tolashe was referred to the commission by the Secretary-General to deal with that matter. Zungu, who is a councillor in Johannesburg, is also involved in several issues and was referred to the Integrity Commission. Bheki Cele voluntarily presented himself to explain the Matlala matter,” Mbalula said.
However, Mbalula stressed that none of the individuals have been formally charged.
“They have not been charged. They have been found to have brought the party into disrepute,” he added.
The five ANC members referred to the disciplinary committee are Sisisi Tolashe, Bheki Cele, Jason Mkhwane, Thanduxolo Khalipa, and Sithembiso Zungu.
Under ANC guidelines, members facing serious allegations, including corruption-related matters, may be investigated by the Integrity Commission, which can recommend disciplinary action where necessary.
