FORMER Limpopo health MEC Miriam Sekgabutla is the first ANC NEC member casualty likely to be forced to step down while fighting corruption charges.

Sekgabutla appeared in the Polokwane Magistrate's Court on Monday to face charges of fraud and corruption relating to a multi- millionrandcontract awarded to two companies owned by her close associates while she was MEC for health in 2010.

The ANC said yesterday it was processing her situation and that it expected her to step down while answering the charges.

ANC spokesman Jackson Mthembu in a statement said although the ruling party expected the law to take its course without any fear or favour, the charges levelled against Sekgabutla had the potential to harm the image of the ANC in its fight against corruption.

The ruling party at its national conference in December resolved that the ANC needed to safeguard and promote the core values of the ANC.

"It is in this context that the 53rd national conference resolved that those who are facing serious criminal charges should . step aside from participating in any ANC leadership positions and occupying public office pending the outcome of any court proceedings.

"It is the expectation of the ANC members that Cde Miriam will be guided by her conscience to do the right thing.

"The allegations against her are damaging and indicative of an improper conduct on her part. It is for this reason that the ANC leadership has started to process her matter within its ranks," he said.

This means ANC Northern Cape chairman John Block, who is also MEC for finance, is not expected to survive. He is facing charges ofcorruptionbutwas chargedbeforetheANC passed the resolution.

Sowetanunderstands that ANCsecretary-general Gwede Mantashe is leading a team looking into handling Block's departure.

Since the conference, the ANChassuspendedthe membership of its deputy chairman in the North West, China Dodovu, who is facing chargesofconspiracyto murder Oubuti Chika.