The Madlanga Commission spent Tuesday morning pressing Witness F on a sprawling web of WhatsApp communications involving Deputy National Commissioner Shadrack Sibiya, tenderpreneur Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala, and a WhatsApp account saved under the name of late Deputy President David “DD” Mabuza.

Commissioners raised concerns that the witness may have acted as an intermediary in questionable exchanges involving wildlife deliveries, police case information and potential arms dealing.

Evidence leader and senior counsel Matthew Chaskalson began by putting it to Witness F that Sibiya had sent him his private residential address during an earlier interaction.

The witness replied simply: “I’m here at the gate”.

Turning to messages from 4 March 2024, Chaskalson confronted him with a contact card he had sent to Matlala containing Sibiya’s phone number.

“Did you introduce Cat Matlala to General Sibiya?” Chaskalson asked, warning that he could invoke the privilege against self-incrimination.

“No,” the witness responded.

When Chaskalson indicated he had no further questions, Commission Chair Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga intervened sharply, insisting that the evidence leader continue.

He said it was a “direction” of the commission that questioning proceed, stressing that the commission “does not want to create a precedent” allowing witnesses to evade explanation.

“We want to see you ask questions…We do not want to see you give him a free ride,” Madlanga said.

From there, the evidence turned to WhatsApp exchanges between Matlala and Witness F.

At 06:47 on 21 March 2025, Matlala called the witness, then texted “Call me”.

After returning the call, Matlala sent him a voice note.

In it, a man with a heavy Afrikaans accent asks for a “pin drop” indicating “where the impalas must go to”.

Initially denying any recollection, Witness F conceded under pressure that Matlala had indeed sent him the audio.

Within 29 seconds of receiving it, he forwarded it to Sibiya, accompanying it with the message: “Morning’s it’s from Cat”.

WhatsApp logs, presented on screen, showed a flurry of calls between the witness and Matlala, followed by a screenshot from “Rudi Farm Manager” confirming receipt of funds.

Matlala then forwarded Rudi a pin for Sibiya’s home.

Rudi replied: “Everything has been arranged. He will catch the impalas on Sunday and transport it Monday to that location. Is it good?”

Matlala answered: “No problem.”

“These messages appear to suggest that Matlala paid for impalas for Sibiya, which were subsequently delivered to him,” Chaskalson said.

Witness F conceded that it does indeed look like that.

Repeatedly, the evidence leader put it to the witness that he acted as the “go-between” for Matlala and Sibiya.

Each time, Witness F denied knowledge of any arrangement.

“To be honest with you commissioners, I did not ask what was going on there. I just received that message from Mr Matlala, then I immediately forwarded it to General Sibiya,” the witness said.

He speculated that Matlala contacted him only because he may not have been able to reach Sibiya directly.

Attention then turned to a police case number Matlala sent the witness the day before the impala dealings.

Witness F admitted accessing the police system to send Matlala case details, saying he had been told it related to a domestic violence complaint.

Chaskalson countered that the case was, in fact, the murder of Kabelo Richard Mathe, in which “50 cartridge cases were found”.

He put it to the witness that Matlala’s enquiry likely came “on behalf of the perpetrator and not the victim”.

Witness F insisted he had not known this.

The morning’s most startling evidence involved a WhatsApp account saved under the name “DD Mabuza”.

On 15 November 2024, the account sent Witness F an image of a weapon, followed by videos showing its use and detailed pricing for bulk quantities of compact 12-gauge combat shotguns.

When asked directly whether he had previously engaged in any arms dealings with the late deputy president or his nephew, the witness replied: “No I did not.”

Under pressure, he claimed the messages were sent not by Mabuza but by his nephew, Simphiwe Mabuza, using the former deputy president’s phone.

He said he saved the number under DD Mabuza’s name because the nephew was “obsessed” with his uncle.

Commissioners appeared unconvinced.

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Thousands of people bid farewell to former deputy president David Dabede Mabuza in an emotional state funeral in Mbombela on Saturday.

The service brought together citizens, political leaders, diplomats, church figures and traditional leaders all united in honouring a man remembered as humble, loyal and deeply connected to the people.

President Cyril Ramaphosa, who delivered the official eulogy, described Mabuza as a unifier in troubled times, who made a huge contribution in the journey to a democratic South Africa.

“David Mabuza, DD as he was fondly known, was a revered leader not only in his home province of Mpumalanga, but throughout the country,” Ramaphosa told the mourners.

“It is as a servant of the people for which our departed leader and comrade will be best known and for which he will be forever remembered.”

The president described Mabuza as a dependable and committed leader, who understood responsibility without needing the spotlight. 

“He preferred to be on the ground with the masses of our people, listening to their concerns and working to improve their lives,” Ramaphosa said.

He spoke of Mabuza’s passion for education, his leadership in government and his deep commitment to unity. 

“He played a key role in maintaining balance in deeply divided political times… In death, he has once again brought us all together across many nations and continents to mourn, to pay homage, to remember and to fondly reminisce.”

The ceremony was rich in personal memories from those closest to Mabuza, starting from his wife and children.

Mabuza’s daughter, Angela, who spoke on behalf of his children, painted a picture of a father who was both strict and deeply loving. 

“Our father was a national figure, a statesman,” she said. 

“But when he was with us, he gave us his full attention. The time he gave us was rare, but it was truly rich, undisturbed and full of purpose.”

She recalled how Mabuza, who started out as teacher before entering politics, treated school report cards as “magic tickets”, not because they promised gifts, but because they represented effort and discipline. 

“When we came home with a beaming 90%, he would raise an eyebrow and say, ‘and the missing 10%?’ He believed in excellence, but more than that, he believed in trying your best.”

Angela Mabuza spoke of his steady belief in them.

“He let us try. He’d say, ‘go for it’, and we did because he believed in us long before we believed in ourselves.”

She ended by saying: “More than grief, what we feel is gratitude. Gratitude that we were loved so deeply by such a rare man. He taught us that every move matters. That your name must mean something. That no challenge is beyond you if you face it with discipline, humility and heart.”

His youngest sister, Zandile Mabuza, remembered him not just as a brother, but as a leader within the family.

“You were number six out of 12 children, but you carried the strength and responsibility of the eldest,” she said.

“When our parents passed, you stepped in without hesitation. You were overprotective and serious, but always present.”

Fighting back tears, she said: “Now you’ve joined the four siblings who left before you. It’s hard to understand, and even harder to accept. But we take comfort knowing this was God’s plan.”

One of the most emotional moments of the day came when a farewell letter written by Mabuza’s wife, Nonhlanhla Mabuza, was read by family friend Nomsa Mnisi.

“I never imagined life without you,” she wrote. 

“At first, I struggled sharing you with the country. But I came to understand your calling. You were not just mine; you belonged to the people.”

She recalled quiet mornings at home, their shared coffee and the strength he gave to their family. 

“You said it was time to focus on your health and to make up for lost time. And you kept that promise.”

Businessman Robert Gumede gave a passionate and revealing speech about Mabuza.

“Many, who didn’t know him, have spoken differently about him,” Gumede said. 

“But we, his family, knew who he really was a man of discipline, a man who separated family from politics completely.”

He recalled how Mabuza refused to let family members benefit from his political position. 

“I used to ask him, why don’t you get your wife a government car with a driver? But he said no. She drove herself to work. That was his discipline.”

Gumede said Mabuza never chased high office, but accepted the responsibility when asked. 

“He was known as Mr Unity. He worked to bring people together, even from his hospital bed. He didn’t change for the stage, [but] he stayed who he was.”

Gumede thanked the African National Congress and Ramaphosa for honouring Mabuza with dignity. 

“He gave his all to his movement and his country. His legacy is unity, action and love for the people,” Gumede concluded.

After the tributes and prayers, the SA National Defence Force led the final procession, where Ramaphosa handed the national flag to the Mabuza family. 

The Last Post was played, signifying the finality of death.

“In his eternal sleep, he is demonstrating that our many differences along political party and racial lines and the numerous disputes we may have, are eclipsed by our shared desire to follow his lead in building a just, equitable and caring society,” Ramaphosa said.

He said the sad and untimely passing of Mabuza was a time for the leaders of South Africa to reflect. They needed to ask themselves if they had sought public office because of the rewards they believed they could reap, or was it to improve the lives of the country’s citizens?

“Are we as selfless as we profess to be? Are we builders and unifiers, or do we divide and break? These questions are easy to ask, but sometimes difficult to answer.”

Mabuza’s funeral was a gathering not just of mourners, but of a country remembering a man who touched the lives of many far beyond his inner circle.

He is remembered as a father, a brother, a comrade and a builder of unity.

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In the rhythm of a revolutionary time, there are comrades who do not shout to be heard, but who leave behind a silence so profound that it echoes louder than any speech.

Today, we pause as a nation, as a movement, and as comrades, to bow our heads and raise our hearts in honour of comrade David Dabede Mabuza, a giant who walked among us with humility, courage, and principle.

DD was not a man of theatrics; he was a man of substance. In a political culture often dominated by noise, spectacle and self-promotion, DD chose a path that was quieter, but infinitely more difficult, the path of discipline, restraint and strategic conviction.

We did not always agree. At moments, and particularly around the heated and history-shaping 2017 conference, we found ourselves on robustly opposite ends of internal battles. Our disagreements were real, and I will not pretend they were minor. But I have come to understand that DD’s politics were never personal. He stood his ground not to win for himself, but to defend what he believed would preserve and strengthen the ANC.

Even in disagreement, one could not help but respect him. Because his posture was never rooted in malice, it was anchored in a deep, quiet loyalty to the organisation. He believed in the ANC not as a convenience, but as a conviction. And when the dust of internal contest settled, DD emerged not bitter, not triumphant, but loyal. He stood by the movement. Unshaken. Unbought.

Ernesto “Che” Guevara teaches us that: “A true revolutionary is guided by great feelings of love. It is impossible to think of a genuine revolutionary without this quality.” 

This was comrade DD Mabuza, he was precisely that, a revolutionary guided not by volume, but by vision. Not by ambition, but by love for his people. Not by fear, but by discipline.

He was not consumed by uncontrollable ambition. He did not chase positions for their own sake. Even when his name rose to national prominence and the glare of high office settled on him, he remained grounded. And when the time came to bow out, DD did not cling. Like a great dancer who knows when the music is about to change, he stepped off the stage with grace, with his dignity intact, and with his conscience clear.

What truly defined DD’s political life was his unbreakable bond with the people of Mpumalanga. Alongside comrades like Mathews Phosa, Thabang Makwetla, Fish Mahlalela and Boy Nobela Mahlangu, he belonged to a generation of freedom fighters who did not wait for development to come, they fought fearlessly to bring it. Together, they carried the hopes of a province once sidelined and turned it into a theatre of transformation.

DD’s leadership in Mpumalanga was not built on promises, but on the hard, gritty work of delivery. Roads that connected the forgotten. Schools that empowered the previously excluded. Clinics that reached deep into rural soil. He did not govern from air-conditioned offices alone, he governed from the ground, among the people, with the people, for the people.

He believed that governance was a sacred act, and that no community, however remote, should be beyond the reach of dignity.

Even when his health tested him, he did not retreat into comfort. He campaigned. He served. He endured. Because for DD, to serve the ANC was not an obligation, it was an act of faith.

We must say this clearly: he was not perfect. None of us are. But in him, we saw the rare combination of quiet strength, political patience and deep commitment. In him, we witnessed what it means to wield power without being intoxicated by it, to leave the stage without being pushed, and to disagree with comrades without betraying the movement.

Chris Hani in lessons to us he teaches us “it is not the kings and generals that make history, but the masses of the people”. Comrade DD never sought to be king, but he served like a general, always with the people, always for the people.

Today we say goodbye to more than a leader, we say goodbye to an era.

An era of comrades who rose through struggle, not shortcuts.

Who knew that unity is not the absence of contestation, but its disciplined management.

Who could stand still in the storm and still point north, when others were losing direction.

Go well, DD.

Son of Mpumalanga.

Lion in strategy, dove in conduct.

Warrior for development, disciple of unity.

May we who remain carry forward your example: of loyalty without arrogance, ambition without destruction, and service without spectacle.

Andile Lungisa is a members of the ANC”s national executive committee.

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Former deputy president David Mabuza, who died after a shot illness last week, will be laid to rest in Barberton, Mpumalanga, on Saturday.

President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver the eulogy at Mabuza’s state funeral at Hoërskool Bergvlam in Mbombela. It will be followed by the private burial.

On Thursday, thousands gathered at the Phola Sports Ground near Hazyview for a provincial memorial. 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile delivered the keynote address, describing Mabuza, 64, as “the backbone of the community”.

“He was committed to fighting unity and defeating the demon of factionalism in our organisation,” Mashatile said. 

“Comrade Mabuza was dedicated to transformation, aiming to provide basic needs, healthcare and quality services to all citizens especially those in remote areas.

“His good deeds and character overwhelm what we may perceive as his bad side, as others are trying to remind us. We would like to put it on record that we, as the African National Congress, believe that he has served as an exemplary cadre.”

As per Category 2 protocol, the funeral will feature formal ceremonial honours, reflecting Mabuza’s contributions to the party. High-profile political leaders and dignitaries are expected to attend.

Mabuza served as deputy president of the country from 2018 to 2023. He was premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 to 2018.

He was also South Africa’s Special Envoy to South Sudan where he facilitated peace efforts and unity agreements.

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Former Deputy President David Mabuza, who has long been dogged by accusations of corruption, died on Thursday at a Sandton Mediclinic after a prolonged illness.

Mabuza, known as ‘The Cat’ in ANC’s political circles, was 64-years-old at the time of his death.

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula confirmed Mabuza’s passing on social media.

“It is with deep sorrow and a heavy heart that we learn of the passing of former deputy president of the Republic and stalwart of our movement, comrade David Dabede Mabuza,” Mbalula said on X.

“Comrade Mabuza dedicated his life to the service of the people of South Africa. From his days in the struggle against apartheid to his leadership as premier of Mpumalanga and later as deputy president, he was a committed cadre who carried the values of unity, discipline and transformation.

“On behalf of the African National Congress, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, comrades, and the people of South Africa.”

President Cyril Ramaphosa said he had learned with deep sadness of the passing of Mabuza.

“On behalf of government and the nation, I offer my profound condolences to the late Deputy President’s wife, Mrs Mabuza, and the children,” said Ramaphosa.

“We are saddened today by the loss of a leader who was grounded in activism at the early stages of his political career and who came to lead our nation and shape South Africa’s engagement with our continental compatriots and the international community in his role as Deputy President.”

Ramaphosa added that further announcements would be made in due course on memorial arrangements and “the honours with which the country will pay its final respects to the Former Deputy President.”

The EFF paid tribute to Mabuza on Thursday night and described him as “a veteran of the liberation struggle and a long-serving servant of the people”.

“Though Mabuza only served one term in office and never ascended to the Presidency, a rarity for someone who held the position of Deputy President, he never placed personal ambition above the duties of his office,” the EFF said in a media statement.

“When he fell out of favour with his party, he did not use his political challenges as a reason to destabilise the country, he instead bowed out of public office with grace and a clear sense of duty to the Republic.”

Matthew Parks, COSATU Parliamentary Coordinator, praised Mabuza for dedicating his life to serving the people, from his local communities in Mpumalanga to the nation as a whole.

Parks described Mabuza as a humble yet decisive leader who navigated challenging times for South Africa, particularly during the aftermath of State Capture and corruption.

“When South Africa was at the crossroads after the painful decade of state capture and corruption, then Premier Mabuza played a seminal role within the leadership collective of the African National Congress, to place it, the broader liberation movement and the nation firmly on the path of renewal,” said Parks. 

“When the time came to hand the baton to the next generation, Deputy President Mabuza did not hesitate to do so humbly and always emphasising the importance of discipline. He continued to play his role as a former Deputy President and an elder.”

Mabuza’s political career was largely overshadowed by controversy.

While serving as Mpumalanga’s education MEC, Mabuza was implicated in a scandal involving inflated matric results.

In 2009, shortly after becoming premier, R14-million in cash allegedly went missing from his Barberton farm – though police later confirmed only R4 million had been reported stolen.

Mabuza was also alleged to have been behind the killing of Mbombela speaker Jimmy Mohlala in 2009, who blew the whistle on corruption linked to the building of a 2010 World Cup stadium.

Mabuza was born on 25 August 1960 in Phola Trust, Mpumalanga.

He earned a national teacher’s certificate from Mgwenya College of Education in 1985 and later completed a BA in Psychology from the University of South Africa (Unisa) in 1989.

A trained mathematics teacher, Mabuza worked as a school principal before entering politics.  

Mabuza was premier of Mpumalanga from 2009 to 2018 and became deputy president of the ANC in 2017, a position he held until 2022.

Under President Cyril Ramaphosa, he served as deputy president of South Africa from 2018 until his resignation from Parliament in March 2023.

During his time in office, he also acted as the leader of government business.

Mabuza resigned as an MP in March 2023 following his request to Ramaphosa to step down as the second in command.

He told the nation and ANC members he had agreed with Ramaphosa that he must step down to allow the then newly elected ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile to take over.

Mahlengi Bhengu, ANC national spokesperson, said Mabuza was deeply committed to reconciliation and nation-building, acting as a bridge-builder within both the movement and government.

“He had a charming personality that connected with the people, reflective of the ANC’s rootedness in society. Rising from the ranks of student activism to becoming Premier of Mpumalanga and ultimately the Deputy President of the Republic, Cde Mabuza exemplified a life committed to the liberation and upliftment of the people,” said Bhengu.

“As a leader, he played a critical role in building the ANC structures in Mpumalanga and the country. He was instrumental in strengthening unity and stability within the organisation. His term as Deputy President was marked by a calm and steady hand.”

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IT’S official. Former health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize is set to challenge incumbent Cyril Ramaphosa for the position of ANC president.

This follows a dramatic conclusion of the nomination of Top 7 officials on Sunday morning at Nasrec, south of Johannesburg.

Irate supporters of Ramaphosa and Mkhize almost came to blows after complaints about counting methods of nominations from the floor and the handling of the entire nomination process by election officials.

Anti-Ramaphosa supporters were the most vocal of the two groups, and at one stage attempted to storm the stage, singing and chanting “Change! Change! Change!”

For the position of Deputy President, delegates are expected to choose between outgoing Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile, Justice Minister Ronald Lamola and Eastern Cape premier Oscar Mabuyane.

David Mabuza declined nomination from the floor for the position of Deputy President.

Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Gwede Mantashe, Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha and Deputy Minister of Finance David Masondo are poised to contest for the position of National Chairperson.

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula, former KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary Mdumiseni Ntuli and Deputy of Minister of Public Enterprises Phumulo Masualle will contest for the position of Secretary-General.

ANC NEC member Nomvula Mokonyane and chairperson of police portfolio committee Tina Joemat-Pieterson are vying for the position of first deputy secretary-general.

Maropene Ramokgopa and Ronalda Nalumango will contest for the position of second deputy secretary-general.  

On Saturday, ANC conference adopted a Constitutional amendment which allows for the second deputy secretary-general.

The amendment was supported by Ramaphosa faction, and opposed by Mkhize supporters.

Bejani Chauke, Pule Mabe, Mzwandile Masina and Gwen Ramokgopa will contest for the position of Treasurer-General.

ANC NEC member and Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu failed to meet the required 25% threshold to be nominated from the floor for the position of Treasurer-General.

Voting for the ANC’s top 7 position is expected to start at 9am on Sunday.

Final ANC nominations|

President: Cyril Ramaphosa, Zweli Mkhize

Deputy president: Ronald Lamola, Oscar Mabuyane and Paul Mashatile

Chairperson: Gwede Mantashe, David Masondo and Stanley Mathabatha

Secretary-general: Mdumiseni Ntuli, Phumulo Masualle and Fikile Mbalula

First deputy secretary-general: Nomvula Mokonyane and Tina Joemat-Pieterson

Second deputy secretary-general: Maropene Ramokgopa and Ronalda Nalumango

Treasurer-general: Bejani Chauke, Pule Mabe, Mzwandile Masina and Gwen Ramokgopa

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THE ANC is facing a crisis that threatens its existence as shown by the declining electoral support for the party as well as falling membership numbers, disunity and factionalism.

This is according to ANC deputy president David Mabuza, who delivered the party’s scathing oganisational report on Saturday.

“We find ourselves at a crossroads, given the objective and subjective realities confronting us at this conjuncture of our history,” Mabuza told delegates.

“Despite the best intentions by all of us, the state of the organisation is still a far cry from the ideal as it is bedevilled by disunity, the quality of membership and cadre not being up to the task, doubts about the capacity to deal with corruption … and restore the movement’s integrity and declining electoral support that points to a deep trust deficit from our people.”

According to Mabuza, the integrity commission has reported that at least 55 members brought the party into disrepute.

Mabuza also said that the suspension of former Secretary-General Ace Magashule has had a critical impact on the functions of the secretary general’s office.

“For the first time in the more than a century-long history of the ANC, it ended the term without its elected Secretary General Officials. This followed the Secretary General Ace Magashule being charged with counts of corruption in the Bloemfontein High Court in November 2020, and the Step-Aside Regulations coming into effect, leading to his suspension by the NEC in May 2021.”

Mabuza said that the disbandment of the ANC Youth League, ANC Women’s League and ANC Veterans League was a major cause for concern for the organisation.

He told delegates that the national conference must address the issue of the leagues and ensure that all three leagues are able to hold their national conferences in 2023.

He said delegates should also be seized with the decline of the party’s electoral support at the polls.

The ANC’s share of the national vote dropped below 50% and voter turnout declined from 56% in both 2011 and 2016 to 46%.

“The loss of support of the ANC, losing majority in only two out of eight metros (Buffalo City in the Eastern Cape and Mangaung in the Free State is significant,” said Mabuza.

He said the ANC lost four out 5 biggest metros, despite getting the highest number of votes due to poor political management and delivery.

“Where the ANC is in outright control, these are mainly the poorer municipalities, many are not financially viable, which has massive impact on our ability to deliver services and local government,” said Mabuza.

“Organising in urban areas is a major challenge for the ANC in all provinces. The bigger the concentration of people, the bigger the challenge, as the election results and membership figures indicate.” 

He added that party has lost about 1 500 fulltime public representative seats at local government level.

Mabuza said the introduction of the Political Party Funding Act and the difficult economic environment had also damaged the party’s funds. 

“These factors restricted our ability to raise funds from private donors who collectively comprise 70% of our budget annually,” said Mabuza.

He said the failure to pay staff salaries was also a major concern for the party.

“A major liability still remains with regards to arrears on the ANC staff Provident Fund.”

“The cashflow crunch of the ANC not only impacted on staff, but also our ability to fund core programmes, including the OR Tambo School of Leadership and Cadre development, campaigns including Elections campaigns, research, and monitoring and other organisational programmes.”

Membership of the party has also dropped by at least a third in the past two years.

The party has about 1 million members.

The estimate, down from 1.6 million in July 2020, is based on raw data that has to be refined and may end up being lower, the party said.

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PRESIDENT Cyril Ramaphosa remained defiant on Wednesday night amid growing calls for him to resign over the Phala Phala forex scandal.

This after a damning Section 89 panel report which found that Ramaphosa may have committed a serious violation of anti-corruption laws and the Constitution.

The panel’s report presents a massive headache for the ANC as it heads to an elective conference in December and crucial national elections in 2024.

On Wednesday night, Ramaphosa reiterated the statement he made in his submission to the independent panel: “I have endeavored, throughout my tenure as President, not only to abide by my oath but to set an example of respect for the Constitution, for its institutions, for due process and the law. I categorically deny that I have violated this oath in any way, and I similarly deny that I am guilty of any of the allegations made against me.”

But according to a report by the panel of legal experts, chaired by retired Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, Ramaphosa has a case to answer for abusing his position as the Head of State.

“Why was the house breaking and theft not reported in terms of section 34 (1) of PRECCA (Prevention and Combating of Corrupt Activities Act) or to any other police officer for investigation,” the panel asks.

“Why did the South Africa police request the Namibian police requested to handle the matter with “with discretion.”

“The President abused his position as Head of State to have the matter investigated and seeking the assistance of the Namibian President to apprehend a suspect.”

The report concluded: “In light of all the information placed before the Panel, we conclude that this information discloses, prima facie, that the President may have committed: 264.1. A serious violation of sections 96(2)(a). 264.2. A serious violation of section 34(1) of PRECCA. 264.3. A serious misconduct in that the President violated section 96(2)(b) by acting in a way that is inconsistent with his office. 264.4. A serious misconduct in that the President violated section 96(2)(b) by exposing himself to a situation involving a conflict between his official responsibilities and his private business of the Constitution.”

ANC NEC is expected to meet on Thursday evening to discuss, among others, the future of Ramaphosa in light of the panel’s report.

UDM leader Bantu Holomisa called on the ANC leadership to recall Ramaphosa as soon as possible.

“The ANC must recall their deployee. We cannot afford to have a President who faces such serious allegations,” said Holomisa.

ATM leader Vuyo Zungula, who launched a motion of no confidence in Ramaphosa because of his involvement in the Phala Phala farm scandal, said the president should step down with immediate effect.

“He should resign with immediate effect,” said Zungula.

“A person who has an impeachable case to answer cannot be President. Mr Ramaphosa must resign.”

DA’s Chief Whip, Siviwe Gwarube, said the official opposition party has noted the findings of the independent panel.

“This is a defining moment for our constitutional democracy and must not be taken lightly,” Gwarube said.

“The panel makes some serious findings against the president, chief among them being that he may have violated the constitution. These are grounds for impeachment proceedings in Parliament. This is exactly why our focus must now be on the Parliamentary process.”

“While a vote on whether to institute impeachment proceedings against the president requires a 50% majority, we do hope that the ANC in Parliament will put party interests aside and abide by the constitutional obligation we all have.”

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Ramaphosa received 2 037 nominations for the position of ANC president while his main rival, Dr Zweli Mkhize, got only 916. 

The announcement of branch nominations was made by former ANC deputy president and chairperson of the electoral committee Kgalema Motlanthe on Wednesday.  

For the highly contested position of Deputy President, 1791 branches nominated ANC Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile. Justice Minister Ronald Lamola received 427 and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane got 397.  

Current National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe is less popular in branches with only 979 compared to Stanley Mathabatha who received 1492 nominations. 

Deputy Minister of Finance David Masondo received 501 nominations for the same position of national chairperson. 

Leading nominations for Secretary General position is Mdumiseni Ntuli with 1225, followed by Phumulo Masualle ( 889). Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula received 749. 

Ntuli received more nominations from KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga. 

Current NEC member Nomvula Mokonyane with the biggest support from KZN received 1779, and Fébé Potgieter scored 905 nominations for the position of deputy secretary-general. 

For the position of Treasurer-General, Benjamin Chauke is leading nominations with 552, followed by Pule Mabe (428) and Mzwandile Masina on 348.  

This means that the party will have to do more in ensuring gender balance for the remaining nominations for the National Executive Committee (NEC). 

Motlanthe admitted that the party doesn’t have mechanisms to ensure that nominations for the top six complies with the party’s very own 50/50 gender policy. 

The ANC will hold the 55th National Conference from December 16 to 20th. 

The conference will be attended by just over 4 500 voting delegates from various branches, the NEC, Leagues and provincial executive committees (PECs).

COSATU and the SACP will participate as non-voting participants.

The ANC said it has also invited a number of fraternal parties from the region and across the world, as well as national civil society organs, deployed cadres, business and professional associations, and faith-based organisations. 

The national conference of the ANC is held every five years. 

As the highest decision-making organ of the ANC, it receives reports from officials, determines the strategy, broad policies, direction and programmes of the movement and elects its national leadership. 

INSIDE POLITICS|

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The ANC’s 55^th elective conference in 2022 may be just about the last hurdle standing in David Mabuza’s way to becoming the party’s president and eventually, the country’s first citizen.

Well, only politics is not as simple and straightforward as critics often make it out to be.

Just last week Mabuza looked like a dead man walking, destined for the scrapheap of political history. In the court of public opinion he was a goner, a man who was going to be cut down to size by the ANC’s integrity committee.

It is now history that the man delayed his own swearing in as MP just hours before his colleagues took their oaths of office last week, to subject himself to the scrutiny of the party’s stalwarts.

But the plus side of it all was that Mabuza enjoyed uninterrupted attention from all and sundry, with the public, media, analysts and political opponents all focused on him for the better part of a week.

In fact Mabuza’s shadow appeared to overshadow even Ramaphosa as he took his oath of office at a packed Loftus Versfeld.

And on Tuesday Mabuza took his oath before chief justice Mogoeng Mogoeng, not as part of the crowd of MPs that clambered for the public’s and media’s attention in Parliament last week.

He had almost all of the better part of a week with media attention focused on him, speculating on his probable intentions and profile. Those who know say no publicity is bad publicity. We may never know how much of Mabuza’s decision to postpone his own swearing in swayed Ramaphosa to stick with him as his number two.

But one can argue that even if Ramaphosa had intended to get rid of Mabuza as his deputy in government, he would have found it difficult after the man had pulled this stunt that focused so much attention on him.

Mabuza, having been cleared by the integrity commission now enjoys the moral high ground and may begin consolidating his support base and the disgruntled post-Zuma crowd with a clear conscience and a spring in his step.

After all, who wouldn’t be after having been given the green light as a credible leader by the ruling party’s stalwarts? If Thabo Mbeki who was the darling of the public and business, both local and foreign, had a Zuma problem then Ramaphosa clearly now has a similar challenge in the form of Mabuza whose dodgy reputation will no doubt continue to dog him.

The Cat gets to start another life and may be preparing for another as the main man in charge – watch out.

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