Just in: Bongani Bongo told to step down – as Ramaphosa ‘swings the axe’

ANC MP and NEC member Bongani Bongo has been told to step down from his senior roles within the party, it has emerged on Monday. The weekend’s crunch talks – held by the government’s top brass – seem to have claimed their first victim.

Who is Bongani Bongo?

We are expecting a formal announcement at 16:00 SAST. Bongo declined to comment to the media on Monday, with TimesLive reporting that the outgoing MP claimed ‘it would be an act of ill-discipline’ to speak out on the matter.

Bongo is facing a charge of corruption, related to an allegation of offering a bribe to the evidence leader of the Parliamentary inquiry into the capture of Eskom by the Guptas. He’s accused of offering a ‘blank cheque’ to those investigating him, but has always rejected any claims of wrongdoing.

Bongani Bongo to take a ‘leave of absence’

The one-time minister and former ally of Jacob Zuma has long been synonymous with corruption, and he’s been linked to the corrupt Gupta empire. This development comes as President Ramaphosa faces pressure to ensure his tough talk on corruption manifests into action. In the past few days, both Zandile Gumede and Mike Mabuyakhulu have been told to step aside.

ANC MP Bongani Bongo will take a leave of absence from his position in parliament and the ANC national executive committee (NEC) ahead of his corruption trial.#ANCNEC

— #ProudlySouthAfrican 🇿🇦 (@luckymanyuma) August 31, 2020

ANC NEC meeting: Another one bites the dust?

Bongo makes it a hat-trick, but the nature of his so-called departure is likely to cause controversy: He will only be required to take a leave of absence, pending the conclusion of the NPA’s investigations. Much like Gumede, Bongo will be able to claim his salary while spending time away from his duties.

Earlier on Monday, The ANC Eastern Cape’s Andile Lungisa was given 72 hours to resign – just days after asking Cyril Ramaphosa to do the same. Indeed, the fightback from certain factions of the ANC is likely to be launched soon.