The ANC's caucus spokesperson did not deny the existence of the confidential strategy document, saying that Parliament was under pressure to process important laws before the term ended. (Gallo)
ANC MPs have been ordered to push through Bills that favour the ruling party ahead of next year's elections, the Sunday Times reported.
A secret ANC election strategy document circulated to MPs last week reportedly contained orders to prioritise Bills that favoured the party and to hold over "controversial Bills".
The document reportedly instructed MPs on how to spend the next months in Parliament, which Bills to ignore, and which ones to rush through.
According to the Sunday Times, legislation seen as pro-poor, and which would benefit the working class had to be prioritised.
Bills which were unpopular with traditional leaders would reportedly be postponed.
Parliament under pressure
Private member's Bills were also likely not to be processed and finalised before next year's elections, the newspaper reported.
ANC caucus spokesperson Moloto Mothapo did not deny the existence of the confidential strategy document.
He was quoted as saying that Parliament was under pressure to process important laws before the term ended.
However, he reportedly denied that some Bills would be steam-rolled through Parliament.
Opposition parties were up in arms over the news.
The United Democratic Movement's Bantu Holomisa was quoted as saying he would not be bullied by the ANC into rushing laws.
Democratic Alliance MP David Maynier reportedly said he was disappointed his private member's Bill on arms deals in the country would be affected. – Sapa