ANC Youth League Gauteng blasts alleged legislature corruption as ‘unethical’ and ‘anti-ANC’

At least 32 employees and two MPLs have been accused of defrauding the Gauteng legislature in a forensic investigation initiated by the former secretary to the legislature. (Siyamtanda Capa/News24)

• The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in Gauteng has condemned its corruption-accused members’ actions for eroding public trust in the party.
• In a statement on Monday, ANCYL Gauteng coordinator Amukelani Mashele called the alleged actions “unethical”.
• Mashele was reacting to a News24 investigation that revealed how legislators had pocketed stipends meant for traveling abroad.

The ANC Youth League (ANCYL) in Gauteng has called for a forensic report into possible corruption and fraud in the Gauteng legislature, involving two senior ANC Gauteng members, to be released immediately and its recommendations implemented.

News24 revealed last Friday that former Gauteng legislature secretary Peter Skosana was removed for trying to recover R500 000 from 32 employees of the legislature. Then-legislature speaker Ntombi Mekgwe allegedly intervened in the disciplinary processes of the employees and allegedly accused Skosana of attempting to sabotage the ANC’s election campaign.

After facing strong pushback, Skosana was placed on precautionary suspension pending a disciplinary hearing for charges including insubordination.

He later accepted a R6 million settlement to walk away from the remaining 20 months of his employment. He was prohibited from disclosing the circumstances of his departure from the legislature.

He wrote to deputy speaker Nomvuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela and MPL Lesego Makhubela to pay back stipends they had received for international trips that never materialized.

EXCLUSIVE | Gauteng legislature fires secretary, turns blind eye to corruption, fraud

Mhlakaza-Manamela was paid R72 415 for three trips to conferences in the UK, Canada and Cameroon between June 2022 and July 2023. Makhubela received R43 500 to go on a study tour to Washington and New York in June 2023.

None of the trips occurred, but they both kept the stipends.

Makhubela is also the ANC chief whip in the legislature, while Mhlakaza-Manamela is the ANC spokesperson for Gauteng.

“Both comrades are products of our organization … They were entrusted by the ANC to enter the legislature and ensure the passage of and implementation of progressive policies, while also holding the executive accountable,” ANCYL Gauteng coordinator Amukelani Mashele said in a statement on Monday.

He said the allegations compromised the members’ ability to fulfill their responsibilities as they now face “questions of morality and credibility in the eyes of society.”

Mashele said it was even more troubling that there had been time for both to correct their wrongdoing, but they chose not to.

“The last-minute PR stunt of offering to pay back the money only raises further concerns about their integrity, morality and fitness to hold office. Their fingerprints have been found in the cookie jar, and this cannot be ignored.

“Their conduct is not only unethical, but it is also fundamentally anti-ANC. At a time when the ANC is working tirelessly to regain voter confidence and rebuild standing in society, their actions have brought shame to the organization,” Mashele said.

In calling for the forensic report commissioned by Skosana and compiled by BDO, a forensic investigation firm, to be released, Mashele said it was not just about justice – but also demonstrating to the public that the ANC is serious about fighting corruption within its ranks.

“To save the body, if the leg must be cut, let it be,” the statement concludes.

On Monday, Gauteng legislature acting secretary Linda Mwale issued a statement denying that Mekgwe had covered up the Skosana scandal unearthed.

He said any notion of impropriety was misplaced and that the “esteemed institution” was unwavering in its commitment to “good governance and ethical leadership”.

READ | Gauteng legislature secretary attempts to refute, with no evidence, corruption claims against MPLs

Mwale said: “The Gauteng legislature is a well-respected and credible institution which plays a critical role in the governance of this province. As a legislative body responsible for overseeing government departments in Gauteng, the (legislature) remains fully committed to its core mandate of ensuring that public funds are used effectively, efficiently and transparently.”

He claimed the information contained in News24’s article was false – without providing any evidence to back up his assertions.

“The article falsely alleges that the institution fired Mr Skosana for initiating a disciplinary process to recover the funds. The legislature refutes the statement that Mr Skosana was dismissed,” Mwale said.

He added that claims of Mekgwe and/or other members of the legislature having interfered with disciplinary processes or halted investigations into employees and the two MPLs were simply not factual and untrue.

“Concerning the disciplinary process related to travel claims by 32 employees, its genesis was initiated and investigated by the institution. However, the cost of investigation and disciplinary actions using external service providers was found to be excessive, and far outweighing the possible overpayment that was still a subject of investigation.”

Mwale’s statement was, however, silent on the reason the money had not yet been recovered – more than a year since the stipends were pocketed.