ANC Western Cape PEC Member Sidelined Over Lingering Criminal Prosecution

In a seismic development within the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the Western Cape, Sabelo Mahlathi, the former regional secretary for Boland, has once again been ordered to step aside. This comes as a part of the party policy that necessitates leaders to relinquish their positions in the event of facing criminal prosecution.

On October 2, 2020, Mahlathi and ex-Cederberg Municipality Manager Ian Kenned found themselves at the difficult end of fraud and corruption charges. Alfew days later, they appeared before the Clanwilliam Magistrate’s Court for their initial hearing.

Provincial Secretary Neville Delport revealed during the PEC meeting last Friday that Mahlathi had been stepping aside due to the criminal charges for a couple of years. Allegedly, before the elective provincial congress in June, Mahlathi notified the Interim Provincial Leadership (IPL) that he had been acquitted, thereby qualifying for the election in Cape Town.

Nevertheless, the PEC is now investigating the possibility of Mahlathi misleading the IPL for the leadership contest. Delport recently penned a letter to Mahlathi, acknowledging the fact that he would be appearing in court soon, and advising him to again voluntarily step aside until acquitted.

Mahlathi expressed his dissatisfaction with the step-aside order and stated that every accusation against him had been stricken off the court roll since March 31. According to him, his membership rights were fully restored by the ANC after the court's judgment.

The ANC branch in Western Cape confirmed their decision to place Mahlathi on step-aside, considering the reappearing fraud allegations. Delport expressed disappointment over Mahlathi's refusal to voluntarily step aside and announced that the PEC would take further action if required.

While National Prosecuting Authority regional spokesperson Eric Ntabazalila refrained from commenting on the case status, Mahlathi defended his position, promising to be the first to know of any change in his prosecution status. He suggested discussing any queries regarding this matter directly with him, emphasizing his concern for the process rather than insinuating any linkage to the process of nominating legislature members.