Former president Thabo Mbeki is advocating for a stricter interpretation of the ANC’s step aside rule, stating that it should apply to all individuals facing allegations, not just those who have been formally charged in court. Mbeki believes that true ANC members should voluntarily step aside to protect the party’s image, even in the absence of formal charges.

The initial phase of the step aside rule caused significant internal turmoil within the ANC as debates raged over who should be affected by the guidelines. Ultimately, the rule was amended to only mandate those who had been formally charged to vacate their positions.

However, Mbeki argues that the rule should be revisited to include all individuals facing allegations, citing the case of a former ANC member who voluntarily stepped aside amid accusations of murder to preserve the party’s reputation.

With high-profile figures like Ace Magashule and Zizi Kodwa already having to step aside due to corruption charges, Mbeki’s call for a broader application of the rule could see many more officials forced to vacate their positions, potentially impacting those implicated in the state capture commission report.

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