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*Gauteng ANC pushes party on Malema* *Sibongakonke Shoba, Business Day, 22 April 2010** *THE African National Congress (ANC) leadership in Gauteng said yesterday it wanted the party to take "firm" action against ill-disciplined party leaders, especially senior ones.
The statement is a challenge to the party's national leadership to act decisively against ANC Youth League president Julius Malema.
The ANC confirmed this week that it was considering a youth league request to drop disciplinary action against Malema, indicating that some of its top officials were wavering in censuring him.
Provincial secretary David Makhura said that members in Gauteng branches were in support of President Jacob Zuma 's efforts to instil discipline in the party.
"There are people who act with impunity at branch level, regional level, provincial level and including in the NEC (national executive committee)," said Makhura.
Gauteng is the first formation in the ANC to comment on Malema's disciplinary charges, suggesting that some branches are keen for action against him.
The strong statement on discipline also suggests that Malema would not easily garner support against Zuma ahead of next month's NEC meeting, at which the matter is expected to be raised.
Makhura said members in Gauteng, who recently held branch general meetings, were concerned about the ANC leadership's "inability" to instil discipline in the ranks, "especially among senior leaders".
"Members of the ANC want to see firm action," he said."When they (ill-disciplined leaders) speak, they are seen to be speaking for the ANC," he said.
Malema is expected to face charges of bringing the party into disrepute on May 3.
He is facing censure for supporting Zimbabwean President Robert Mugabe, attacking the Movement for Democratic Change when he visited Zimbabwe, and expelling a BBC journalist abusively from a media briefing.
Earlier this week, ANC chief whip in Parliament Mathole Motshekga --- who hails from Gauteng --- supported Zuma's move to discipline Malema.
Gauteng ANC branches have expressed concern about the use of money to influence the election of leaders in the organisation.
The province is scheduled to hold its elective conference in two weeks' time, when Premier Nomvula Mokonyane is expected to challenge chairman Paul Mashatile for his post.
Although no formal complaint had been lodged, the party was aware of instances where "resources" were used to entice members. "Especially when there are rallies and people are bused in and when people hold meetings in hotels, which means there is money there," said Makhura.
He said the leadership could not act against the culprits as whistle-blowers were "reluctant" to lodge formal complaints. "We can't investigate when there are no formal complaints."
Makhura said the province would raise the matter at the party's national general council to discuss ways to end the practice.
Makhura said it was not only people in government who were making promises to delegates, but business people were also involved. "There are people in business who throw a lot of money to make sure the candidate they support wins."
He said this problem could result in a situation where only people with money would lead the ANC. "The problem is increasing, and ANC members want us to nip it in the bud," said Makhura.
He said 243 of the 375 branches had met, and nominated candidates to lead the party in the province. "The branch general meetings will be followed by the six regional councils of the ANC and provincial general councils of the leagues and the MK Military Veterans Association."
Although Mashatile is seen as a favourite to win the race, insiders say it could be close.
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