The ANC in the Western Cape has been dealt with a severe blow, after the national leadership ordered provincial chairperson Marius Fransman to step down. The dismissal of Fransman has caused disorder within the party, says political analyst Prof Keith Gottschalk.

The party’s most powerful leadership structure, the National Working Committee (NWC), on Thursday directed Fransman to “step aside” pending the outcome of a police investigation into a sexual harassment and disciplinary charge laid against him. Despite Fransman’s suspension, additional disciplinary measures will be taken against the former provincial chairperson.

Officials have only asked him to step down once he has been sentenced, an issue opposition parties feel the court procedures could drag out. However his dismissal displays the seriousness of the offence.

Gottschalk says that the party will have to make arrangements to replace two managing players as Fransman’s expulsion comes after secretary Faiez Jacobs was asked to step down due to pending physical assault charges.

Jacobs was to be suspended pending the finalisation of his assault case. He has 48 hours to give reasons why he should not be suspended.

Jacobs said: “I will abide by and respect the processes of the ANC.”

There is disorder with the party’s operations due to a shortage of party members, says Gottschalk. Finding replacements will not be an issue for the party with the up and coming local municipal elections.

“Rivals are competing for every post so there will be no delay in finding new party members.” VOC