The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape convened its Special Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting on Monday, 11th October 2021. The special PEC meeting was convened to consider the Public Protector’s report on the investigation in the Mbizana Local Municipality and the Provincial Government Departments released by Advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebane on Friday, 8 October 2021.
The meeting noted the Public Protector’s report and associated remedial action which implicated Comrade Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane and Comrade Babalo Madikizela. The meeting discussed the impact of the matters contained in the report on the standing of the ANC in society. It is in this context that the ANC Special PEC meeting reaffirmed the decision and resolutions of its 54th National Conference to steadfastly fight against corruption, perceived or real.
The Special PEC received a report that both comrades are challenging the Public Protector report through a judicial review in court. The meeting welcomed the report and the action undertaken by both comrades. The ANC fully respects their legal and constitutional rights as South African citizens to seek recourse.
As such it must be noted that both Comrade Mabuyane and Madikizela voluntarily presented themselves to the Provincial Integrity Commission (PIC) in May 2019 and June 2019 respectively. They requested to meet the PIC and share their side of the story regarding allegations contained in the media. The Provincial Integrity Commission (PIC) in October 2019 cleared both Comrade Mabuyane and Comrade Madikizela as it found that they are not guilty of any misconduct as was alleged. The PEC has further directed that both comrades should submit the report and update the PIC about the current developments for the PIC to make a judgement call.
Furthermore, whilst the ANC respect the Public Protector’s Office and its role in promoting accountability in our country consistent with the stance of our movement on all Chapter 9 institutions, however it is unfortunate that the report of the Public Protector is released on the verge of the Local Government Elections when it was finalised two months back. This stance and timing regrettable weaponised the belief that the PP is party to intra-party and external factionalism.
We strongly appeal to all members of the ANC and broader society to give both Comrade Mabuyane and Comrade Madikizela space as they seek legal review of both the process and substantive facts around the PP report.
The ANC PEC reiterates its position that once there are any new developments regarding this matter, it will act consistently and decisively.
ISSUED BY THE PROVINCIAL SECRETARY OF THE AFRICAN NATIONAL CONGRESS, CDE LULAMA NGCUKAYITOBI
Enquiries :
Cde Loyiso Magqashela
ANC PEC Provincial Spokesperson
Mobile No :0823059611
Cde Gift Ngqondi
Provincial Head of Communications
Mobile No : 0849519924/0848439706
