ANC WELCOMES GRANTING OF BAIL TO COMRADE JOHN BLOCK

The African National Congress (ANC) welcomes the granting of bail to ANC Northern Cape Chairperson John Block, effectively leading to his release from incarceration. We also believe that this was the matter for the courts to pronounce on. The matter concerning comrade Block or anybody who is suspected of any wrongdoing was never a matter of any ANC structure, including the ANC Youth League in the Northern Cape.

This is a matter that rests within our judiciary. Our confidence in our judiciary is boosted by its independence on this and any other matter before our courts. The ANC would like to state that none of us - including ANC leaders and any other high profile members of other political parties - are above the law.

We believe that Comrade Block's release from incarceration will now provide him with an opportunity towards vindicating himself, as he has claimed no wrongdoing following allegations of corruption. The ANC also wish to reiterate that comrade Block is innocent until proven guilty.

If comrade Block has been falsely or "politically accused," the courts of law in our country will offer him a platform for recourse and exoneration. As the ANC, we have confidence in the independence and the ethical workings of our judiciary and our law-enforcement authorities. These include the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), its head Advocate Menzi Simelane and the Hawks.

We call on all ANC structures in the Northern Cape and anywhere else in the country to respect and give the legal process a chance to take its course and refrain from unwarranted attacks on State agencies tasked with ensuring that the country is freed from crime and corruption.

The ANC is not defending anybody in this particular matter but is committed to its priority area of fighting crime and corruption wherever it rears its ugly head. We will always defend our institutions that are tasked with this responsibility of ensuring that the country is freed of crime and corruption. Where there is evidence of these institutions going against their mandate, the ANC will not hesitate to take them to task. So far we have not found such evidence.

We will not comment any further on uncouth and ill-disciplined utterances from some of our structures in the Northern Cape. We will deal with these matters internally. We want to make it clear and reiterate that any ANC Youth League, Women's League or Veterans' League structure anywhere in the country is subjected to ANC policy positions and discipline.

When ANC members speak outside ANC policy and discipline, we have every reason to worry and call them to order. We have a duty to guide the ANC Youth League and any other structures that are part of the ANC family all the way, including dealing with the matter concerning comrade Block. No ANC policy should be interpreted through emotions or affection for any ANC member or leader in our country.

Statement issued by Jackson Mthembu, African National Congress national spokesperson, November 10 2010

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