ANC Under Scrutiny for Candidate Vetting Ahead of Election Deadline

As the 8th of March deadline for political parties to submit their candidate lists for national and provincial elections approaches, questions arise regarding the African National Congress's (ANC) commitment to ethical leadership. The ANC electoral committee, led by secretary Livhuwani Matsila, has not been directed to exclude members mentioned in the state capture report, despite past pledges by party officials to address improper conduct.

The ANC previously stated through Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula that it aimed to present a slate of reputable candidates by excluding those tarnished by allegations from the Zondo Commission until cleared by their Integrity Commission. This stance followed the public concern over ethics and discipline within party ranks, leading to high-profile mentions of over 90 ANC members in the damning state capture report. Political heavyweights on the list include National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe and Deputy Ministers like Zizi Kodwa and David Mahlobo.

Internal pressures have amplified as the ANC Veterans' League and senior stalwarts, such as Mavuso Msimang, have voiced the need to bar implicated party members from election lists. Msimang's resignation, later retracted, highlighted the internal tensions and public demands for reform within the ANC's leadership.

Despite the turmoil, the ANC's proactive measures seem to lag, with no concrete decisions communicated regarding the inclusion of these members on the legislative lists. The party's rules stipulate that criminally charged members should step aside, yet this does not automatically translate to barring from candidacy lists.

The ANC's national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri acknowledged the absence of discussions regarding the fate of implicated members. Meanwhile, the electoral committee braces to meet the deadline with the promise of meticulously vetted lists. Matsila confidently speaks of the ANC's readiness, citing a robust vetting process that encompasses all prospective candidates.

The vetting's thoroughness is crucial to instilling public trust and ensuring that the candidates are fit to serve if elected. This process, however, does not differentiate specific roles such as premiers or speakers, reinforcing that all candidates, regardless of potential position, must pass the same rigorous vetting.

The ANC looks poised to proceed without major disruptions, as Matsila reports a quiet reception to the list thus far. However, it remains to be seen whether the final list will adequately reflect the party's earlier messages of ethical responsibility. The decline of nominations by top figures like Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and rumored Naledi Pandor hints at shifts within the ANC ranks.

As South Africa watches, the ANC's actions in the coming days will speak volumes about its dedication to integrity and the quality of leadership it proposes to the electorate. The outcome of this pre-election process may not only affect the forthcoming elections but could also shape South African politics for years to come.