The ruling African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal on Tuesday said that it supported the decision taken by the National Executive Committee (NEC) that members facing prosecutorial charges should step aside from party structures and State organs.

Addressing the media, ANC provincial secretary Mdumiseni Ntuli said he could not divulge the exact number of members who have been asked to step aside and said the Provincial Executive Committee was mandated to consolidate a list.

Recently the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal was left with no choice but to release former eThekwini Mayor Zandile Gumede and deputy provincial chairman Mike Mabuyakhulu from their positions pending corruption cases.

“The ANC Provincial Executive Committee reaffirmed its commitment to the implementation of the decision of the National Executive Committee relating to comrades facing prosecutorial charges. The PEC welcomes and understands this decision as a bold step towards restoring the integrity and image of the African National Congress. It is also a reminder that the ANC is the parliament of the people and all its leaders serve at the behest of our people,” said Ntuli.

On the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic the PEC extended its condolences to the families, relatives and friends of those who have died owing to Covid-19-related complications.

Ntuli said the constant decline of infections and fatalities communicates a reassuring message of hope that KwaZulu-Natal is winning the war against the pandemic.

“We salute and remain deeply indebted to our dear brothers and sisters, the daughters and sons of our province who have occupied a frontline position in a sustained war against coronavirus. The victory we have and continue to celebrate would have been impossible without their commitment, selflessness and unparalleled patriotism,” he added.

The PEC further called on the province to remain vigilant and remain protected through the constant washing of hands, use of sanitizers and mask wearing in public places.

On the issues of racism and gender-based violence, the PEC said it was deeply outraged by the scourge of racism and gender-based violence that continues to undermine efforts to build a non-racial and non-sexist society.

The PEC has established campaign structures, at all levels, to complement the ANC Women’s League campaigns against racism and gender-based violence.

On governance matters, the ANC PEC welcomed and noted the progress report of the Provincial Working Committee on the assessment of the provincial and local government.

The PEC agreed to convene a special meeting within three weeks to comprehensively discuss the state of governance.

However, the PEC expressed its unhappiness at the performance of several municipalities in the province which affects service delivery and the provision of basic services in towns and townships.

“The PEC is convinced that the performance of the ANC in government is fundamental important in our quest to build a National Democratic Society. The creation of a National Democratic Society must be understood by all cadres of our movement as a deliberate and conscious effort intertwined with the reconstruction and development of our province. The PEC will discuss the quality and pace of service delivery and emerge with concrete and practical steps to improve the provision of services to the people of KwaZulu-Natal,” explained Ntuli.