The National Working Committee (NWC) of the African National Congress (ANC) said on Tuesday that it reaffirmed the decision of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) that all members who have been charged with corruption or other serious crimes must step aside from their duties within 30 days or be suspended.

The NWC met on Monday to track the progress of various NEC decisions.

This means that embattled ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, who has stated that he would not step aside after being charged with corruption, will be suspended.

“The affected member must update the relevant secretariat on a monthly basis regarding progress with their case. The decision by a member to step aside will be reviewed by the relevant structure of the organisation every six months,” the party said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the ANC, letters will be sent to suspended members, outlining the terms and conditions regulating their participation and conduct during suspension.

Meanwhile, Magashule’s bid to appeal the Supreme Court of Appeal’s ruling that the 2018 Free State ANC elective conference was unlawful, has been noted by the ANC.

“The NWC reaffirmed its decision that priority must be given to pursuing political solutions that will build a united and vibrant ANC in the Free State. It called for an intensification of the efforts being led by Comrade Kgalema Motlanthe to bring about a cohesive and inclusive interim structure in the Free State that will be able to take the province to an elective conference in due course. The NWC agreed to receive a progress report at its next meeting,” the NWC said.

The NWC also commended ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa and national chairperson Gwede Mantashe on their testimonies at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture.

The ANC reiterated its support for the commission.