Marius smaak a return

This follows the ANC’s national disciplinary committee of appeal’s (NDCA) decision to refer Fransman’s case back to the national disciplinary committee.

The NDCA had found Fransman guilty on two counts of misconduct - one for abusing his office for the purpose of attempting to obtain a sexual favour from Louisa Wynand and another for making public statements which brought the ANC into disrepute.

Fransman, whose ANC membership was suspended for five years, appealed this finding, arguing that the NDCA did not consider the technical point on procedure.

Wynand was allegedly “forced” to sleep next to Fransman in Kimberley while they were staying at a hotel, on their way to Rustenberg to celebrate the ANC’s 104th birthday. Fransman also allegedly touched her while two fellow passengers were seated in the back of the vehicle.

Fransman said he will now petition the party to make a final decision on the matter.

“The NDCA referred the matter back because they do not have the political ability to say to the NDCA there is no case, they do not have the political ability to say it was irregular to charge Fransman.”

ANC spokesperson Khusela Sangoni said basically it means the NDCA must reconvene Fransman’s disciplinary hearing “so that you can make a proper finding even if you come to the same conclusion”.

Fransman said the disciplinary committee was used a “political weapon" to destroy him as an elected official.

• ANC turns on Marius

• Marius to appeal