ANC integrity commission probing ANCYL treasurer-general's alleged irregular appointment to senior govt post - Mbalula

JOHANNESBURG - African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) treasurer-general Zwelo Masilela has been referred to the party’s integrity commission to account for his alleged irregular appointment to a senior government position.

Masilela is under scrutiny after it was revealed that he worked as a senior researcher at the Mbombela Municipality without a post-matric qualification.

This came to light earlier in March in Parliament during his interview for a position on the National Youth Development Agency (NYDA) board.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula confirmed on EWN’s Politicking podcast that the integrity commission was investigating the matter.

The commission is responsible for holding ANC members accountable for any unethical actions that could damage the party’s reputation.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) has lodged a formal complaint with the Public Protector against Masilela, calling for an investigation into his appointment as a senior researcher at the Mbombela Municipality.

It's understood that Masilela only obtained his Diploma in Journalism from the Tshwane University of Technology in 2021, despite holding the senior government position since 2016.

Mbalula stated that if Masilela was found guilty of any wrongdoing, the party’s constitution would take effect.

"That matter is subjected to the integrity commission. In this particular instance, should there be any mischief on the part of the candidate, who happens to be the ANC Youth League’s treasurer-general, steps will be taken. That matter is going to be investigated fully and an account will have to be given because some of the things that are being said, it was of the first time we heard them in Parliament."

Masilela’s attempt to secure a position on the NYDA board was unsuccessful, as members of the portfolio committee on women, youth, and people living with disabilities rejected his candidacy.