Political Analyst Weighs In After ANC Integrity Commission Clears Deputy President Paul Mashatile
- The African National Congress's Integrity Commission has found no wrongdoing in Deputy President Paul Mashatile, and a political analyst weighed in
- This was after Parliament fined him for not declaring a diamond he received from fraud-accused Louis Liebenberg
- South Africans were disappointed in the Integrity Commission and questioned the commission's integrity
Tebogo Mokwena, a Briefly News current affairs journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa, has covered policy changes, cabinet reshuffles, the State of the Nation Address, Parliamentary Proceedings, and politician-related news, as well as elections, at Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News for over seven years.
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JOHANNESBURG — A political analyst discussed the African National Congress's Integrity Commission, which cleared deputy president Pul Mashatile of any wrongdoing after he was fined for not declaring a diamond received from fraud-accused Louis Liebenberg.
According to eNCA, political analyst Sandile Swana said that although the Commission has to adhere to the terms of reference it receives from the party's National Executive Committee, he said this is the basis of the problem.
Swana said that the Integrity Commission, which is supposed to oversee the moral conduct of the NEC, is subject to the same NEC that must administer the punishments and disciplinary steps.
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He remarked that the concept of the Integrity Commission was inspired by the Chinese Communist Party, which established its Integrity Commission as an independent body. However, the ANC's integrity commission was subordinated the Commission to the NEC.
"The players are above the referee," he said.
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Analyst slams Mashatile
He said that Mashatile is getting away with the allegations he faces. He said that Mashatile was cleared in 2013 when his son-in-law, Nceba Nonkwelo, took loans from a state-owned entity to build student accommodations.
"It is becoming a standard that when you're entering the realm of presidencies, you start to get away with a lot of scandals," he said.
He also said that Paul has been maneuvering those around him to receive bribes intended for him. He said that the Integrity Commission must ensure that the leaders of the ANC are evenly corrupt. He slammed the commission for favouring ANC members in its rulings.
Recently, Mashatile declared a R28.9 million mansion in Constantia Kloof in the Western Cape. This was after he initially denied that he was the owner of the house.
What did South Africa say?
Netizens were not impressed with the Integrity Commission.
Kamogelo M Madihlaba said:
"More like saying one criminal is being cleared by another criminal."
Fufi Esg Gazidesaid:
"Marking your own exam paper."
Manyemola Maila said:
"A mosquito can't chair a meeting where malaria is being discussed."
Teddy Phahlamohlaka said:
"Even Mchunu will be cleared."
Kenny Lethu said:
"I'm sure even Thabo Bester can be cleared by this commission."
Cyril Ramaphosa distances himself from Mashatile
In a related article, Briefly News reported that President Cyril Ramaphosa distanced himself from Mashatile. This was after Mashatile failed to declare the diamond he received from Liebenberg.
Ramaphosa said that Mashatile is the only one with answers to questions about the diamond. He said Mashatile must personally address the controversy.
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Source: Briefly News
