ANC MP and former Public Enterprises Minister Malusi Gigaba has stepped aside.
The party confirmed receipt of his letter on Wednesday, 19 November.
"The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the principled and voluntary decision by comrade Dr Malusi Gigaba to step aside from his responsibilities following his recent appearance in court. His decision, taken without prompting, reflects the discipline, maturity, and revolutionary consciousness expected of cadres of our movement," said acting spokeswoman Nonceba Mhlauli.
She pointed out that Gigaba's decision is in keeping with the ANC Constitution and the resolutions of the 55th National Conference.
"Cde Gigaba has demonstrated respect for organisational processes and acted to protect the integrity and reputation of the movement," she said.
According to this rule, all party members formally charged must voluntarily step aside.
Mhlauli said the ANC recognises Gigaba's decision as a clear affirmation of the party's renewal agenda and a demonstration that ANC leaders remain bound by the solemn oath of membership to act in defence of the unity, values, and standing of the organisation.
"The ANC reiterates that the step-aside rule is not a presumption of guilt, but a responsible organisational measure to safeguard public confidence while legal processes unfold. We thank Cde Gigaba for his leadership and discipline," she said.
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Just last week, suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu offered to relinquish his duties in the national executive committee (NEC) and national working committee (NWC.
The organisation had first denied his offer and later made an about-turn.
Gigaba appeared in the Palm Ridge Specialised Commercial Crime Court on Tuesday, 18 November, on corruption charges.
He was formally added as the fifth accused in the ongoing corruption case involving former Transnet executives.
Daily Sun reported on 7 November that the Idac had issued Gigaba with summons to appear in court.
The case emanates from the period in which Transnet engaged in the process of acquiring locomotives to expand and modernise the country's rail infrastructure, during which tender processes were flouted, and three contracts were irregularly awarded to provide Transnet with 95, 100 and 1 064 locomotives in three different contracts, resulting in a loss of billions of rands for Transnet.
The alleged offences were committed during Gigaba's tenure as the minister in the Department of Public Enterprises.
He is charged alongside Anoj Singh, former Group Chief Financial Officer, Brian Molefe, former Group Chief Executive Officer of Transnet, Siyabonga Gama, former Chief Executive Officer, and Thamsanqa Jiyane, who was the Chief Procurement Officer in Transnet's Freight Rail division.
Mhlauli said Gigba's decision strengthens the collective efforts of the ANC to rebuild trust, reinforce accountability, and demonstrate that no individual stands above the organisation.
