The ANC’s Integrity Commission (IC) will convene on Wednesday to discuss potential amendments to its terms of reference and step-aside guidelines, aimed at strengthening its authority. This comes after the party’s national executive committee (NEC) resolved during a recent meeting that members who fail to appear before the IC on matters linked to the Zondo Commission report will be referred to the ANC’s national disciplinary committee.
The IC, which addresses ethical and political complaints against members, advises the NEC on issues impacting the party’s image and reputation. Although ANC leaders implicated in state capture were summoned last year, only 34 out of 97 appeared before the commission.
Rev. Frank Chikane, IC Chair, confirmed that Wednesday’s meeting will review the proposed amendments from the NEC session. “This is a standard IC meeting, where we’ll assess what the changes mean for the commission’s role. A media briefing will follow to discuss the effectiveness of these adjustments,” Chikane told The Mercury.
ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula indicated that the NEC had approved amendments focused on establishing an Appeals Panel to handle grievances from members affected by IC decisions. Political analyst Professor Bheki Mngomezulu remarked that the critical question is whether the ANC intends to act on the Zondo Commission’s recommendations—and, if so, whether it will do so impartially.
Mngomezulu noted that Mbalula has been tasked with expediting the appeals process, though questions remain about how impartially the appeals committee will address cases. “The ANC’s ability to remove factionalism from this process is crucial to regaining trust from both members and the public,” Mngomezulu added. Without meaningful action, he warned, these reforms may be perceived as mere “smoke screens.”