Justice Minister Faces ANC's Disciplinary Action Amid Rising Public Skepticism

Holifil

31 Mar, 2025

The African National Congress (ANC) is dragging Justice Minister Thembi Simelane into its disciplinary structure to answer for mounting allegations against her.
This move comes after Simelane was implicated in the infamous VBA Bank looting scandal, where she allegedly secured a loan through a lender tied to the bank.
Many South Africans have openly criticized the ANC's Integrity Commission, expressing little faith in its ability to hold members accountable while slamming both the party and Simelane.

Tebogo Mokwena, a seasoned journalist with Briefly News, has been covering current affairs in Johannesburg, South Africa, for over seven years. His work focuses on policy changes, the State of the Nation Address, political developments, and election news, previously featured in Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News.

Thembi Simelane faces the ANC's Integrity Commission. Photo credits: Brenton Geach/Gallo Images via Getty Images and Chris McGrath/Getty Images. Source: Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG — The African National Congress has officially summoned Justice Minister Thembi Simelane to face the Integrity Commission. This comes amid growing public scrutiny over her alleged involvement in the controversial VBS Mutual Bank saga, which has left many questioning the credibility of the ANC's disciplinary mechanisms.

Simelane Set to Face the Integrity Commission

In a public announcement, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula revealed the details of Simelane's impending appearance on his X account, @MbalulaFikile. The hearing is scheduled for September 25, 2024, where Simelane will be required to address accusations tied to her alleged role in the VBS Mutual Bank debacle. Specifically, she is accused of receiving a loan of nearly R600,000 through a vendor she used to purchase a coffee shop. Simelane has since claimed that she repaid the loan, but the damage to her reputation appears to be lasting.

Read also:
Shamiso Mosakas New Look Sparks Mixed Reactions Across Social Media

The Integrity Commission, according to ANC officials, serves as a critical accountability framework for the organization. In a formal statement, they emphasized its role in allowing members to present their cases based on verifiable facts. "This process aims to preserve not just the integrity of our members but also the reputation of the ANC itself," the statement read. It's a bold claim, but one that many South Africans are skeptical about.

For those interested in the original announcement, you can view the tweet here.

Public Outcry: South Africans Slam the ANC

As news of Simelane's hearing spread, the internet buzzed with reactions from South Africans who were far from impressed. Many took to social media to express their dissatisfaction with the ANC's disciplinary processes, which they see as ineffective at best and corrupt at worst.

One user, Williams, questioned the timing of the investigation, pointing out, "You've known all along that she was a mayor when the VBS scandal unfolded. So why is this only happening now?" The implication is clear: many believe the ANC is dragging its feet on accountability.

Another user, No DMS, added fuel to the fire by criticizing the party's broader track record. "The ANC has no integrity! Just look at your deputy secretary—his mismanagement collapsed the Department of Water and Sanitation!" Such comments reflect a growing sense of disillusionment among citizens.

Gobetse, meanwhile, offered a sarcastic congratulatory message to Simelane, suggesting, "Congratulations to Thembi Simelane. We know she's getting a promotion." The tone highlights the widespread belief that disciplinary actions within the ANC are often mere formalities, with little real consequence.

Read also:
When A Mercedes Goes Vertical The Craziest Car Crash On Tiktok

Tlhogwe echoed this sentiment, bluntly stating, "They won't charge her." It's a sentiment shared by many, who feel that high-profile figures within the ANC often escape serious repercussions despite mounting evidence against them.

Melikhaya succinctly summarized the sentiment, calling the Integrity Commission "a commission with no integrity." This biting critique speaks volumes about the public's lack of trust in the ANC's ability to enforce accountability.

Finally, Renaissance Man posed a pointed question: "Who has this integrity commission ever punished besides Zuma and Magashule?" The query underscores a perception that the commission only acts when it suits the party's political agenda.

ANC Uncovers Corrupt Members: A Step Toward Accountability?

In a related development, Briefly News reported that the ANC has identified 97 members implicated in various corruption scandals. While five of these individuals have been cleared, the commission has called for the removal of those still under investigation. This move could signal a shift toward greater accountability within the party, though many remain skeptical given the ANC's history of shielding its own.

As the ANC continues its efforts to root out corruption, the case of Justice Minister Thembi Simelane serves as a litmus test for its commitment to transparency and integrity. For South Africans, the stakes couldn't be higher, and the outcome will likely shape public perceptions of the ANC's future direction.