South Africa\u2019s ruling party is considering changes to its constitution to automatically expel members charged with serious crimes to increase accountability within its ranks.<\/p>\n
The African National Congress may revoke the membership of those found guilty of murder, rape, crimes against women and children and other wrongdoings, according to a 43-page internal document seen by Bloomberg News.<\/p>\n
The move comes as South Africa\u2019s governing party since the end of White-minority rule in 1994 works to revamp its image to retain the support of disgruntled voters. Some of the party\u2019s top leaders face criminal charges before the courts, while a lack of basic services and high unemployment are further marks against its record ahead of the next national election in 2024.<\/p>\n
Former president Jacob Zuma has spent many years defending himself against allegations he took bribes in relation to a weapons tender in the 1990s. He has denied any wrongdoing and appealed all rulings against him.<\/p>\n
The party\u2019s suspended secretary-general Ace Magashule is fending off money laundering charges and President Cyril Ramaphosa is currently embroiled in a scandal that has weakened him politically, following allegations he concealed the theft of cash at his private game farm. Ramaphosa has denied any wrongdoing.<\/p>\n
Changes to the ANC\u2019s constitution will require support from two-thirds of delegates at it\u2019s elective conference in December, at which Ramaphosa is expected to stand for re-election. The idea is to beef up a so-called step-aside rule, which compels indicted officials to give up their roles pending the outcome of legal proceedings.<\/p>\n
The rule has already been challenged by two of the party\u2019s largest provincial structures and is likely to dominate discourse at the conference.<\/p>\n