Senior African National Congress (ANC) member Nathi Radebe has announced his decision to step aside from his position, citing the party’s internal processes and its step-aside resolution. His resignation was formally communicated in a letter addressed to Gauteng ANC provincial task team coordinator Hope Papo on Friday.
Radebe, who has been serving in a key provincial structure, said his decision was made in line with the ANC’s commitment to accountability and integrity. While he did not go into detail about the circumstances prompting the move, his departure comes against the backdrop of heightened pressure on ANC members facing allegations or ongoing investigations to respect the party’s step-aside rule.
The policy, adopted at the party’s 2017 national conference and reaffirmed at subsequent gatherings, requires members formally charged with serious crimes to relinquish their responsibilities until their legal matters are resolved. The resolution has been a source of tension within ANC structures, with some members arguing that it protects the party’s image, while others claim it has been inconsistently applied.
In his letter, Radebe expressed gratitude to the ANC for the opportunity to serve and reiterated his commitment to the party’s values and renewal agenda. “I am stepping aside not out of weakness, but out of respect for the principles of our movement. I remain loyal to the ANC and confident that the truth will prevail,” he wrote.
Hope Papo acknowledged receipt of the letter and confirmed that the provincial task team will deliberate on the implications of Radebe’s decision in the coming days. “The ANC in Gauteng remains committed to ensuring stability and unity as we continue to rebuild the organisation. Comrade Radebe’s decision will be processed in line with organisational protocols,” Papo said.
Political analysts suggest that Radebe’s step-aside may reignite debates over the policy’s impact on internal cohesion ahead of the ANC’s preparations for local structures and the build-up to national elections. “The step-aside resolution has created both clarity and conflict. It is viewed as a moral necessity but also a political tool, depending on which faction you speak to,” remarked analyst Professor Susan Booysen.
For now, Radebe’s move is seen as a test of the ANC’s consistency in implementing its own rules. His absence is expected to leave a temporary gap in the Gauteng provincial structures, but party leaders insist that organisational work will continue uninterrupted.
Radebe’s next steps, particularly whether he will challenge any allegations or prepare for a political comeback, remain to be seen.
