Graft is damaging ANC - Mantashe

ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe has penned a document warning that the ruling party is too soft on corruption.

The Sunday Independent reported that Mantashe cautioned that dismissing allegations against ANC cadres was doing vast damage to the party's image.

"The many high-profile cases and allegations against our comrades are not helpful.

"We can be dismissive of them, but the damage on the ANC image is huge," the weekend paper quoted him as saying.

Mantashe reportedly made the comment in a report drafted for the ANC's lekgotla, which ended yesterday.

"One issue that constantly cropped up in the elections research, even among our staunchest supporters, is that the ANC is soft on corruption and looks after their own," Mantashe said.

"This requires a system for processing such allegations that will send a message of an ANC that is intolerant of corruption."

The warning from Mantashe comes as President Jacob Zuma faces pressure to act against Public Works Minister Gwen Mahlangu-Nkabinde and national police commissioner General Bheki Cele.

Public Protector Thuli Madonsela found this week that the two were responsible for maladministration regarding the lease contracts of about R1,8billion for new police headquarters in Pretoria and Durban.

Cosatu and opposition parties have said Cele and the minister must resign.