‘Bongo should be instructed to step aside’: ANC Integrity Commission

The ANC’s Integrity Commission has made a call for former State Security Minister Bongani Bongo to be relieved from all leadership responsibilities within the party and the government in addition to being prevented from participating in all ANC activities following his arrest and release on bail for corruption charges.

READ: Corruption case against ANC MP Bongani Bongo postponed

George Mashamba, Chairperson of the Integrity Commission says Bongo the body recommends that the governing party’s National Executive Committee take what he describes in a statement as swift and decisive action to restore the confidence of the public in the ANC’s stated position of zero tolerance against corruption.

“To that end, Cde Bongo should be instructed to spet aside with immediate effect from all positions and activities of the ANC, including his deployment to public office by the organization until his name has been cleared of the criminal charges leveled against him.”

Bongo is currently the chairperson of the Parliament’s portfolio committee on Home Affairs and has previously served as a member of the portfolio committee on Justice and Constitutional Development.

The Commission also wants Bongo to be reigned in after he accused Public Enterprises Minister Pravin Gordhan among others of leading a plot against and scheming to have him locked up for corruption and bribery.

“The IC recommends that the IC of the ANC rebuke and seriously caution Cde Bongo against casting aspersions on other comrades, thus causing unnecessary tensions and divisions in the ANC which in turn impacts negatively on its integrity in the public eye.”

While the Integrity Commission’s powers and authority have often been questioned openly by some members of the ANC, the structure which was established in 2013, has managed to summon high-ranking leaders such as Deputy President David Mabuza for them to explain alleged misconduct on their part.

The Cape Town Magistrates Court postponed the case against Bongo to 31 January 31, 2020 and granted him bail of R5000 last week Thursday.