By Thys Khiba – Former African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Ace Magashule has a week to provide the ANC with reasons he should not be expelled. Magashule has been found guilty of misconduct for failing to apologise to the party after attempting to unilaterally suspend party president Cyril Ramaphosa in 2021.

Magashule tried to go down with Ramaphosa by announcing that he suspended him.

“I have also, in accordance with the powers vested in me as the secretary-general of the ANC, and furthermore in full compliance with the relevant conference resolutions, summarily suspended the president of the ANC, Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa.”

The party’s national disciplinary committee suspended Magashule from the ANC in the same year following corruption charges related to the Free State asbestos removal case.

Magashule was then requested to step aside in line with the party’s step-aside rule for those facing corruption and other serious charges. The current SG of the ANC, Fikile Mbalula confirmed on Wednesday that Magashule has been given seven days to submit presentations as to why he should not be expelled from the ANC.

ANC

“The finding – the charge number is found guilty on counts one and two as charged. The charge number is afforded seven calendar days from the date of being informed on becoming aware of this finding, to make written submissions to the NDC [National Disciplinary Committee].”

Magashule was directed by the NDC to apologise to Ramaphosa. After writing a letter attempting to suspend his party president, Magashule refused to apologise. He is the first secretary-general of the party to be expelled for misconduct.

It remains unclear whether Magashule, who has been a loyal member and longest serving provincial chairpersons of the ANC, will submit his reasons as to why he should not be expelled from the governing party. Reports alleged that Magashule might start his own political party ahead of the 2024 national elections.

Responding to these allegations of forming a new party in the near future, Magashule did not give a clear answer.

“I don’t know if I will form another party…for now, I am still a member of the ANC. The people of South Africa have approached me … It’s not only people from KZN but all over South Africa. I spent a lot of time in Gauteng, the Free State and KZN, the North West and the Northern Cape, doing community service,” Magashule said.

‘The image of the ANC’

Political analyst Rebone Tau suggested that Magashule’sexpulsion could potentially affect the party negatively. Tau said the expulsion came as a shock and was not expected as Magashule is “at the lowest politically.”

“I don’t think he can actually do any harm to the organisation at the moment. But this expulsion can actually do more harm to the organisation.”

Tau said the ANC has failed to learn from expelling some its leaders like former ANCYL leader Julius Malema. She has suggested that expulsion should be the last resort for the party.

CENTRAL NEWS

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