Sun, Jan 26,2014

http://news.iafrica.com/sa/895094.html

The ANC has vowed to step up its fight against corruption, although it feels it has always been tough towards the issue.

The ruling party is holding its two day Lekgotla meeting at Saint George Hotel in Irene where National Executive Committee (NEC) members are evaluating the progress the party has made in the past year.

ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe says the party has always been tough on corruption and on members convicted of the crime.

With the party scheduled to meet on Monday to discuss its candidates list ahead of the national elections, questions are being raised about whether certain officials accused of fraud and corruption will still make it onto the list to represent the party in parliament.

In 2012 former Gatuteng Housing MEC Humphrey Mmemezi stepped down following a series of damning allegations made against him, stating that he had decided to do what he called the most honourable thing.

Nevertheless he remains a member of the NEC with former police commissioner Bheki Cele, who was found guilty by the public protector of maladministration regarding a lease deal.

Earlier Mantashe said the first day of the two day Lekgotla will also focus on progress made in terms of water and sanitation.

"Water is part important because it is not only about water and sanitation, it is a catalystic sector in the sense that it facilitates growth in a number of other sectors. So that's what we’re looking at

"We're getting the report, we're going to have commissions today and half the day tomorrow, then come up with the report."

The ANC also launched its election manifesto in the Northern Cape, where ANC Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa told hundreds of people at the Galeshewe Stadium in Kimberley not to rest on their laurels during the upcoming elections as the party wants to achieve a majority.