ANC Leader Lusanda Sizani Asks PEC to Reconsider Step-Aside Recommendation

ANC leader Lusanda Sizani has written a letter to the party’s Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) requesting that they reconsider the recommendation that he step aside from his positions due to the loss of his firearm.

Sizani claims that he was a victim of crime and that the firearm was stolen from his car while he was attending a PEC meeting in East London.

Sizani who has body guards, and still owns a firearm in his letter, argues that the recommendation to step aside is based on a misinterpretation of the rules guiding the work of the Integrity Commission.

He states that he has done everything in his power to report the incident and cooperate with the authorities, and that the loss of his firearm was a result of a criminal act by thugs, not a reflection of his integrity or fitness to hold office.

Sizani also raises concerns about the timing of the step-aside rule, suggesting that it may be an attempt to subvert the processes leading up to the provincial conference and its possible outcomes.

He requests that the PEC consider the facts presented and allow him to continue serving in his responsibilities assigned by the organisation.

“I was stripped of other valuable possessions, including my ID, passport, and bank cards. I opened a case of theft the same day, whilst the state also initiated a case against me as a procedural practice, which I shall explain herein,” he said.

He said: “I assert and believe that the Integrity Committee’s recommendation is overly misplaced, unduly harsh, and fails to take into account the circumstances of the case.

I am committed to my responsibilities and am confident that I can continue to serve the organisation and the community effectively, as I have never been accused of corruption or wrongdoing; rather, I’m a victim of crime in this case,” he said.

He said he is willing to cooperate fully with any investigation or process deemed necessary.

Sizani said the PEC must reflect on whether members are allowed to enter meetings carrying firearms or not.

“In my recollection, and as per ANC traditions and protocols, PEC meetings prohibit or do not allow members to enter with firearms as it will intimidate other members; hence, it is safe to leave firearms in the car because PEC meetings pose no danger.

After checking out of the hotel, I left my firearm in the car to avoid entering a meeting with a gun. Unfortunately, the firearm got stolen,” he said.

He said he acted responsibly by promptly reporting the matter to the police the same day and at the same time, demonstrating commitment to upholding the law.

“I informed the organisation through the Regional Secretary of the ANC about the incident
the same day, exemplifying and showing transparency and accountability.

“The timing of the step-aside rule on the eve of the Provincial Conference raises concerns about possible opportunistic manipulation of the narrative.

The PEC must scrutinise this development and assess whether it is not an attempt to subvert the processes leading to the conference and its possible outcomes.

It should concern the PEC that an incident of a year ago was never raised and is opportunistically resurfaced deliberately just 6 weeks before the provincial conference,” he said.

Sizani said the Integrity Commission’s mandate is to assess allegations of corruption and misconduct.

“The fact that my firearm was stolen does not bring the ANC into disrepute in any manner. As stated in the ANC Integrity Commission guidelines, the Integrity Commission is a body that oversees ethical conduct within the ANC through assessing allegations of corruption, ethical misconduct, and behaviour that damages the image of the ANC.

Tomorrow a PEC member will have his/her car stolen and some will end up saying they must step aside,” he said.

He said stepping aside would undermine the principles of natural justice and fairness, as he has not been found guilty of any wrongdoing.

“As a result of the pressure that I have been receiving, sensationalisation of my loss and the lack of empathy from my own organisation, I have been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and have been subjected to a leave by my doctor.

I have requested Noncedo September to act as the Executive Mayor of the Chris Hani District Municipality until such time I have been deemed fit to resume duties by a professional health practitioner,” he said.