Pule Mabe Steps Aside Amidst Controversy

Holifil

01 Apr, 2025

Ex-national spokesperson for the African National Congress, Pule Mabe, enforced the step-down policy on himself.
He resigned from his duties on the party's National Executive Committee after being arrested for tender fraud.
Many South Africans were unimpressed by his decision to step down, sparking widespread criticism.

Tebogo Mokwena, a seasoned current affairs writer with nine years of experience at Briefly News, shares insights on the criminal justice system and high-profile cases in South Africa, previously contributing to Daily Sun.

Pule Mabe found himself subject to the party’s step-down policy. Image: Fani Mahuntsi/Gallo Images via Getty Images Source: Getty Images

JOHANNESBURG — The African National Congress's step-down policy came into play when Pule Mabe, the former national spokesperson, resigned from his party duties. This move was a direct response to allegations of misconduct, reflecting the party’s commitment to maintaining its public image amidst scrutiny.

Pule Mabe's Resignation

According to eNCA, Mabe took the bold step of writing a letter to the party’s secretary general after being arrested on charges of tender fraud, alongside his wife and five other suspects. In this letter, Mabe announced his decision to step aside as a member of the National Executive Committee, alongside the co-accused. He also pledged to inform the Integrity Committee of the charges against him, ensuring transparency in his dealings with the party.

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Mabe emphasized that his resignation was not an admission of guilt, aligning with the ANC’s resolutions to prevent the party from falling into disrepute. He and his co-accused were granted bail of R30,000, a figure that drew significant attention and criticism from the public.

Public Reaction: Roasting Mabe

On Facebook, South Africans were quick to voice their opinions, questioning not only Mabe’s integrity but also the ethical standards of other ANC members. The public discourse highlighted a deep-seated distrust of the party’s leadership, with many feeling disillusioned by repeated instances of alleged corruption.

Jason Naidoo posed a rhetorical question that resonated with many:

"The real question is: who in the ANC is not corrupt?"

Monster Hunter chimed in with a reference to a former ANC member, saying:

"Bathabile Dlamini once said everyone on the ANC has his/her own skeletons."

Stephen Gushure couldn’t help but point out the irony in Mabe’s past stance on the step-aside rule:

"I remember this Pule Mabe guy. He was a very loudmouth during step-aside rule discussions. Now it's hitting him hard."

Ndips Jwarha Mazaleni offered a more political take, suggesting a motive behind Mabe’s resignation:

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"Ramaphosa is dealing with all his opponents."

Athalia Mokone expressed skepticism about the consequences for those accused of corruption:

"None of these looters will be punished."

Njabulo Vilakazi highlighted the disparity between the bail amount and the alleged crime:

"What's R30k to R27 million?"

Zizi Kodwa Joins the Step-Aside Ranks

Briefly News reported on another ANC member stepping aside. Former Sports, Arts and Culture Minister Zizi Kodwa also stepped aside from his ANC NEC duties, following his arrest on corruption charges. Allegations suggest he received bribes from an EOH boss, further tarnishing the party’s reputation.

Kodwa’s decision to step aside mirrors the party’s ongoing efforts to address internal corruption and restore public trust. As more ANC members find themselves under scrutiny, the party faces a critical juncture in its history, where accountability and transparency will define its future.