“We might be politicians , but at the end of the day, we are also human beings with families to support, so for him facing charges can have a profound impact on his personal life, that is why the DA stance is clear we seek accountability not personal vendettas,” said Potwana.
The African National Congress’s step-aside principle takes a centre stage as Matatiele Mayor Sonwabile Mngenela, faces formal charges of fraud and corruption, leaving his future in the hands of the ANC Provincial Committee. This follows after the Democratic Alliance in Matatiele laid criminal charges against the mayor in 2023, alleging that he misused municipal funds to attend an ANC provincial conference in May 2022.
The Democratic Alliance ‘s decision to lay criminal charges against Mayor Sonwabile Mngenela in 2023 was prompted by a desire for a neutral investigation, according to the DA Whip Wonga Potwana they brought a motion for debate and later referred the matter to the Municipal Public Account Committee for investigation, after finding a paper work amounting to R13 000 whereby Mngenela had initially claimed that he was attending a meeting with National Association of People Living with HIV and AIDS (NAPWA), but it was later discovered that he had actually attended the ANC conference instead. However, seeking an impartial perspective, they ultimately opted to lay criminal charges with the police. Potwana emphasized that the DA did not intend for the mayor’s arrest and does not celebrate it. “We might be politicians , but at the end of the day, we are also human beings with families to support, so for him facing charges can have a profound impact on his personal life, that is why the DA stance is clear we seek accountability not personal vendettas,” said Potwana.
Speaking with the Alfred Nzo Regional coordinator Pulelo Mohale, clairified that the party had booked accommodations for all ANC delegates attending the 2022 conference, no individual delegate including the mayor was required to make their own arrangements. “We don’t want the narrative that says the mayor attended the provincial conference as if the ANC did not cater for its delegates,” said Mohale. Regarding to the mayor’s formal charges, the ANC coordinator emphasized the party’s step-aside principle, adopted at the 2017 conference in Mafigeng. “The principle categories require ANC members who are formally charged with crimes to step aside from their position, however as the RTT we don’t have the authority to implement this rule or decide the mayor’s fate, instead we will submit a report to the PEC and await their decision,” he said.
However the ANC provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukayithobi, told this publication that, they are yet to write to him asking for his report and ensure that proper procedures are followed. “It is a standard procedure, if there is anyone who has an inducement in the court of law, and that person has been charged by the NPA, automatically the ANC is going to ask him/her to step aside, or that individual voluntarily step aside, expect when charged by private prosecution,” said Ngcukayithobi.
In conclusion, the Eastern Cape Department of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) spokesperson, Pheello Oliphant stated that the department is guided by rules and regulations in case like this. However, they will only take action after the ANC Mayor’s governing party, has made a decision regarding his future. “Once that decision is made, CoGTA will follow the necessary procedures, adhering to their role in overseeing municipal governance,” said Oliphant.
