Reverend Frank Chikane, a respected veteran of the African National Congress (ANC), has assumed the position of Chairperson of the party’s integrity commission. In his new role, he vows to tackle the cases emerging from the Zondo Commission, which has implicated 97 members of the ANC.
Frank Chikane’s appointment sends a clear message that he is determined not to be governed by criminals. The revelations from the Zondo Commission, particularly regarding state capture, have raised concerns about the influence of corrupt individuals within the ANC. Chikane asserts that the country cannot afford to be held hostage by criminals, citing Eskom as an example where their actions have led to widespread power outages and darkness.
Interestingly, out of the 97 cases implicating ANC leaders, only five have been brought before the integrity commission. This discrepancy raises questions about the commitment of party members to address corruption within their ranks. Chikane emphasizes that the commission has already contacted the party leadership to remind them of their own instructions. Those who fail to appear before the commission will be referred to the disciplinary committee, as previously decided.
Frank Chikane’s ascension to the role of Chairperson of the ANC’s integrity commission signals a strong stance against corruption within the party. His determination to hold individuals accountable and ensure that criminals do not gain control of the country underscores the urgent need for transparency and accountability in governance. The ANC leadership, prompted by the commission’s findings, will face the challenge of addressing these cases promptly and effectively to restore public trust and uphold the integrity of the party.