South Africa’s ruling African National Congress has announced that five members of Parliament “involved in the travel investigation” — now known as Travelgate — have resigned from Parliament.
They are Ruth Bhengu, Mildred Mpaka, Rhoda Joemat, Pamela Mnandi and Mavis Magazi.
ANC chief whip Mbulelo Goniwe told a news conference on Thursday that the ANC will be taking a strong line on corruption.
“The ANC will adopt a zero-tolerance to corruption,” he said after the parliamentary caucus met on Thursday.
“We view in a serious light the reasons for the resignation of the members and regard their decision as a demonstration of remorse. Accordingly we commend them for putting the interests of both the organisation and Parliament first.
“The five comrades have apologised profoundly to fellow comrades within both the Parliament and the African National Congress for the damage this has caused to the reputation of the organisation and the institution.
“Caucus regrets the challenge faced by these members.”
The five who have resigned are among eight members of Parliament who have already plea-bargained in connection with the Travelgate matter, which involves the fraudulent use of travel vouchers. They have all paid large fines.
It is not clear what will happen to the others who have already plea-bargained — ZJ Ncinane and TB Taabe — although they are former members of Parliament.
Another former MP, the New National Party’s Rodney Rhoda is also no longer in Parliament.
Another 21 MPs or former MPs are facing fraud charges in connection with Travelgate. They will appear again in court on July 28.
They are the ANC’s National Council of Provinces member Beauty Nombuzo Dlulane, National Assembly member Robert Zamxolo Nogumla, National Assembly member Daniel April Andrew Oliphant, National Assembly member Garth Piet Mngomezulu, NM Duma, GN Ngaleka, TJ Louw, AN Sigcawu, KM Moeketse, Barbara Thomson, JE Sosibo, PDN Maloyi, Bothabile Olive Dlamini, Mnyamezeli Shedrack Booi, National Assembly member Makase Sophia Maine, National Assembly member Randy Pieterse, former MP Douglas Seleke Maimane and National Assembly member Bangilizwe Mlindiwekhaya Solo.
In addition, three Democratic Alliance members are also to be in court — Craig Morkel, who is a sitting MP, Charles Redcliffe and Antoinette Versveld, a former member of the National Council of Provinces. ‒ I-Net Bridge