afrol News, 15 December - South Africa's ruling African National Congress (ANC) is again at the centre of internal problems, few months after the Jacob Zuma case submerged under the waters. The party is still embroiled in sexual scandal, which is why it has now decided to take strict penalties.

The party's chief whip, Mbulelo Goniwe, who was accused of sexually harassing a parliamentary intern, was expelled as well as stripped off his membership of the South African parliament and ANC by a disciplinary investigation committee. He will be allowed to apply for membership of the ANC three years later provided he comports himself in a good manner.

Besides, Mr Goniwe is banned from holding public office for three years. He was suspended in November following accusations of attempting to sexually harass a female intern at an earlier party.

The ANC disciplinary committee - that recently published its findings - found the Chief Whip guilty of sexual harassment as well as putting the party's reputation in tatters.

Mr Goniwe's case is reminiscent of that of his predecessor, who was forced to throw his towel after being guilty of fraud. He was slammed a four-year prison sentence.

Chief whip Goniwe is further charged with abuse of office to obtain sexual and other undue advantages from people, flouting moral integrity of a public official and behaving in a manner that provokes serious divisions and breakdown of unity within the ANC. All these are tantamount to "flagrant violations" of the party's constitution, the disciplinary committee found.

After his guilt was announced, the ANC found it difficult to arrive at what it calls a "painful decision", considering the important role being played by Mr Goniwe within the ruling party. The committee found Mr Goniwe guilty on counts one and two.

"But commitment to protecting the integrity of the movement in its relationship to women must be defended," ruled the disciplinary committee chairman, Kader Asmal.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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