In a significant decision, the African National Congress (ANC) has rejected a request from its National Executive Committee (NEC) member, Senzo Mchunu, to voluntarily step aside from his organizational roles within the party.
This development follows a meeting of the party’s top leadership to deliberate on the circumstances surrounding Mchunu, who is currently on special leave from his Cabinet responsibilities. According to an official party statement, the NEC concluded that Mchunu should continue to perform his organizational tasks for the ANC.
The party’s position is based on its strict application of the “step-aside” rule, which mandates that a member must vacate their duties only once they have been formally charged by a court of law. Mchunu has not been charged, but is facing allegations of interfering in the disbandment of a specialized political killings task team.
Clarifying the sequence of events, Mchunu’s spokesperson, Sthembiso Mshengu, confirmed that the Minister had indeed offered to step aside from all organizational processes, including his active participation as an NEC and National Working Committee (NWC) member.
However, the NWC rejected his request. Mshengu stated the rejection was “on the grounds that he is not yet charged in any court in the Republic of South Africa.”
Furthermore, Mshengu confirmed that Mchunu has already presented himself before the party’s Integrity Commission. He is also expected to appear before the Madlanga Commission, which is investigating the allegations concerning the task team.
The decision creates a distinct separation between Mchunu’s government and party roles for the time being. He will remain on special leave from his Cabinet post while continuing his internal organizational work for the ANC as the separate investigative processes unfold.
