The South African Communist Party (SACP) has welcomed the African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee’s (NEC’s) decision to ask party members charged with corruption or other serious crimes to voluntarily step aside from their duties, or face suspension.

The SACP affirmed its support for the ANC’s decision and said it would take the same action against its members. 

“The steps taken by the ANC will contribute by no small measure, will show leadership by example, to the national imperative to fight corruption. This will dissuade those who may be tempted against getting involved or complicit in corruption,” the SACP said.

It also urged all members to rally behind the ANC in its fight against corruption and cemented its support for the Zondo Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

“We reiterate our stance in support of the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture, and against weaponisation of corruption allegations. The tendency involves fabricating corruption allegations and spreading misinformation in pursuit of a false fight against corruption. To emerge victorious in our genuine organisational, Alliance and national imperative to end corruption, we must build wider patriotic unity against such tendencies, while encouraging real corruption to be reported, with evidence, to relevant law enforcement authorities,” the SACP said.