The Sowetan reported on Wednesday that the payment to Goniwe was confirmed by his legal representative, Frans Smit, who said the money was paid earlier this year.
"I [have] been to Luthuli House [ANC headquarters] several times, met with senior leaders who made promises to pay but never kept them. But after putting pressure, the ANC paid R1.7-million," Smit said.
Goniwe lost his job following his suspension in November 2007, after he was found guilty of sexual harassment by a party-appointed disciplinary committee.
He was charged on October 25 2006 with abuse of office by trying to obtain sexual favours from Parliament intern Nomawele Njongo. He was alleged to have asked her to have sex with him after she helped him serve guests dinner at his home.
Goniwe took the ruling party to court in 2011 and the high court in Johannesburg ordered the ANC to pay him R1.2-million plus interest of about R800 000 for loss of income.
Smit said the ANC failed to pay on time, hence they had to pay R1.7-million for loss of income.
Goniwe was now in talks with his successor, Stone Sizani, for a new position in Parliament. – Sapa