Cape Town - The African National Congress’ (ANC) Western Cape provincial secretary, Faiez Jacobs, has had his suspension for an alleged assault of a staff member overturned by a national disciplinary appeals committee.
Provincial ANC spokesperson Yonela Diko said in a statement on Tuesday: “The ANC in the Western Cape can confirm that its Provincial Secretary, Faiez Jacobs, is back at work after the ANC’s National Disciplinary Committee of Appeals upheld his appeal against his unprocedural suspension.
“Jacobs reported for duty this morning and has already held several meetings with colleagues and stakeholders.”
The ANC added that building unity in the party and strengthening the organisation’s structures, as well as preparation for this year’s local government elections “are just some of the immediate priorities for the provincial secretary”.
Jacobs was suspended last month for an alleged incident of assault of a staff member at the party’s Cape Town headquarters.
At the time, provincial chairperson Marius Fransman confirmed a report of the alleged incident had been made. He said Jacobs had been placed on precautionary leave pending the outcome of disciplinary proceedings.
However, on Tuesday ANC national spokesman Zizi Kodwa said the ruling party’s constitution made no provision for involuntary or precautionary forced leave. Furthermore, he said, temporary suspension was not an automatic process after disciplinary proceedings were begun against an ANC member.
Kodwa said suspension was governed by rule 25.57 of the party’s constitution, which demanded compliance with the principle of audi alteram partem.
“The suspension of a member is a very invasive step and should only be taken after all the steps outlined in Rule 25.57 have been followed,” he said, adding that in this case there had only been partial compliance with the rule.
Kodwa went on to add that part of the motivation for suspension would be preventing a person facing charges from interfering with witnesses and that the party believed in this case there was no risk of that.
“If Faiez Jacobs had any intention of interfering with witnesses, that would have occurred by now since his disciplinary hearing is due to commence shortly,” he said.
Jacobs was elected into office in June after running against his predecessor Songezo Mjongile.
Fransman himself is currently embroiled in a scandal after he was accused of sexual harassment by a young woman, said to have been employed by the party.
A case was opened against Fransman in the North West province, where the ANC leader was participating in the party’s 104th birthday celebrations earlier this month.
Fransman has denied the allegations and claims they were part of a political conspiracy against him.
African News Agency