By OBAKENG MAJE
The African National Congress (ANC) in North West has expelled eight members. The ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo said the decision was taken by its Provincial Disciplinary Committee (PDC) after disciplinary hearings against the expelled members.
“The ANC has reaffirmed its long-standing resolution to renew the organisation and revive unity of purpose within its ranks. At the epoch of these resolutions, is the ability and political will of the organisation to implement its own good policies, fight corruption and instill discipline within the ANC.
“So, it is against this backdrop that, the ANC Provincial Disciplinary Committee (PDC) makes a public announcement of concluded cases that appeared before it as prescribed in clause 64, Appendix 3 of the ANC constitution. The outcome of disciplinary proceedings involved the Lesego Motlapele, Gontse Kock, Tshepo Khwenanyane, Mittah Chelechele, Tumisho Tlhole, Mmoloki Cwaile, Bafana Nebe, and Stephen Moreki,” he said.
According to Diremelo, Lesego Motlapele, Gontse Kock, Tshepo Kwenanyane, Mittah Chelechele, and Tumisho Tlhole were charged with misconduct. He further said, the common purpose doctrine was applied by the PDC.
“The charges are pending from contravention of Rule 25.17.12, which deals with the undermining of respect for, or impeding the functioning of, any structure or committee of the ANC. The contravention of Rule 25.17.17, deals with prejudicing of the integrity or repute of the organisation, its personnel, or its operational capacity by Rule 25.17.17.1.
“Rule 25.17.17.2 deals with creating division within the ranks or membership and Rule 25.17.17.4 deals with acting on behalf of, or in collaboration with, counter-revolutionary forces, a political organisation or party other than an organisation or party in alliance with the ANC in a manner contrary to the aims, policies, and objectives of the ANC,” he said.
Diremelo further said contravention of Rule 25.17.20, deals with the case of a public representative breaching his or her contract of deployment concluded with the National Executive Committee (NEC). He added that, the contravention of Rule 25.17.21 deals with the case of a member of the ANC caucus failing, refusing, or neglecting to carry out or execute an instruction(s) or mandate of such caucus.
“All the charged members are expelled from the ANC permanently and Cwaile is charged for contravening Rule 25.17.1 of the ANC constitution as amended and adopted at the 54th ANC national conference, in where he has acted in breach of membership oath.
“His action prejudiced the integrity or repute of the organisation, its personnel, or its operational capacity. On or about the 12th – 13th August 2022, Cwaile pretended to be a voting delegate as provided for in Rule 17.2.2, Rule 17.2.2.1, and Rule 17.2.2.2. In terms of Rule 17.2.2.3 prejudiced the integrity or repute of the organisation, its personnel, or its operational capacity,” said Diremelo.
He said the disciplinary hearing continued in his absence in terms of Rule 25.7(2) of the constitution of the ANC. Diremelo said Cwaile is expelled from the organisation for 10 years with effect from 08 May 2023.
“He will be removed from representing the ANC in the North West Provincial Legislature with immediate effect. Cwaile has a right to appeal this decision within 21 days. Nebe has contravened Rule 25.17.12 of the ANC constitution
“Undermining the respect for or impeding the functioning of any structure or committee of the ANC. He has also contravened Rule 25.17.1 of the ANC constitution as he acted in breach of the membership oath. Nebe did not attend the hearing proceeding in his absence on 15 February 2023 in line with Rule 25.7(2) of the ANC Constitution,” said Diremelo.
He said a basic rule of fairness is that, a person who will be adversely affected by an act or a decision of the administration or authority shall be granted a hearing before he suffers detriment.
The Guardian 