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The African National Congress (ANC) is moving forward with its renewal project as three members of Parliament implicated in State Capture are set to face long-overdue disciplinary hearings.
This development is meant to signal a turning point in the party’s commitment to accountability and the restoration of public trust. The hearings are seen as a critical step in addressing the legacy of State Capture and bolstering the ANC’s integrity.
Those facing scrutiny are former ministers Malusi Gigaba, David Mahlobo and Cedric Frolick, who have been implicated in corruption scandals.
Gigaba was implicated at the Zondo Commission for allegedly conspiring with former president Jacob Zuma and the Gupta family.
Possibly the most damning testimony heard by the commission against Gigaba came from his ex-wife Norma, who testified that Gigaba would come home with bags of cash from the Guptas. Gigaba called the allegations “patently untrue”.
Mahlobo, now the deputy minister of water and sanitation, was accused of bribing judges during his tenure as state security minister under “Project Justice”. The operation allegedly had a R1.8-million monthly budget and was aimed at influencing the judiciary. Mahlobo has denied the allegations.
Frolick, the chair of the House committee in the National Assembly, was implicated in the Zondo Commission’s State Capture report. He was accused of having dodgy dealings with Bosasa.
He is said to have played a critical role in “winning over Mr Vincent Smith, the [former] Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Correctional Services and Justice” to the benefit of Bosasa’. In 2020, Smith was criminally charged with corruption related to Bosasa.
Frolick was one of four MPs cleared by the Joint Committee on Ethics and Members’ Interests after being implicated in the State Capture report.
Clean-up attempt
The ANC’s top officials recommended Gigaba, Mahlobo, Frolick and Zizi Kodwa withdraw from the party’s national and provincial candidate lists before the 29 May general election. However, the four declined to do so and were not forced to by the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
Former minister Kodwa resigned as an MP in July after he was criminally charged in connection with corruption charges in June. The ANC had deployed him as an MP in Parliament despite being fully aware he was facing criminal charges.
ANC Veterans’ League President Snuki Zikalala told the Sunday Times this week that ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula informed them that he had written to the party’s Integrity Commission asking it to resume disciplinary processes after it declined to take action ahead of the elections. Zikalala told the Sunday Times this would be remedied.
“All issues that relate to the integrity and dignity of the organisation, we have raised them… We had a thorough discussion on Zizi and [Mbalula] has taken action. On the other three, action will be taken against them,” said Zikalala.
“There will be a meeting of the NEC that will discuss the Integrity Commission’s report on those found wanting in State Capture. It will happen and [Mbalula] promised that.”
ANC luminary Joel Netshitenzhe’s election assessment found that the ANC had haemorrhaged votes because people lost confidence in it.
Mbalula has been vocal in press briefings about the party’s plans to get the National Disciplinary Committee to deal with those damaging the party’s image.
He recently said a special NEC meeting would be held to look at outstanding Integrity Commission reports.
In his closing remarks to the ANC lekgotla last week, President Cyril Ramaphosa said if members “tolerate acts of corruption and patronage … then not even the best communications strategy will be able to improve our standing among the people.
“The renewal of the ANC must be reflected in our everyday behaviour, on how we conduct ourselves in public platforms and what we post on social media. Let us not occupy headlines for the wrong reasons. Let us be known for excellence and competence.”
Other members facing allegations
Other ANC members are implicated in State Capture allegations.
It remains to be seen whether the Integrity Commission will investigate Mineral and Petroleum Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, whom Zondo referred to the National Prosecuting Authority for investigation after he allegedly received security installations from Bosasa for no charge.
At the time, Mantashe was the ANC’s secretary-general and did not hold any position in government. He now serves as the party’s national chairperson.
Zondo found Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni was “probably culpable” in the Guptas’ capturing of Denel, along with other board members of the parastatal.
Former minister Nomvula Mokonyane is alleged to have received gratification from Bosasa.
Acting ANC spokesperson Zuko Godlimpi said he could not confirm whether more ANC members would face disciplinary charges.
Zikalala told Daily Maverick that Mbalula mentioned only Frolick, Mahlobo and Gigaba. DM
