ANC number two Ace Magashule has been suspended. This is the first time in the party’s history. The ANC had been trying for months to get rid of its secretary general, who has been accused of corruption.
It is a real deal that has begun within the ANC. The party, under the driving force by President Cyril Ramaposa, trying to clear up its image in the face of voters disgusted by the case of embezzlement. The ANC announced that all its leaders accused of corruption and other serious crimes would be suspended pending trial.
It is about fifty senior executives, including Ace Magashule, the highest of them. He is accused of embezzling more than seven million euros of public funds while he was head of the Free State province in 2014. Last month, he was given an ultimatum and given 30 days to leave his post. what he refused to do. On Monday, the ANC sent him a letter to interrupt him from these functions.
Pitched battle within the party
This is the first in this party’s history and it triggered open war within the ANC. Ace Magashule actually refuses to leave and has stated that he would appeal this decision. He even announced the resignation of the head of state, Cyril Ramaphosa, from his post as president of the ANC. Which he obviously can not do.
So he is playing his future, but beyond that it highlights a factional war within the ANC. One represented by Ace Magashule and another by the head of state Cyril Ramaphosa who wants to clean up.
This settlement is not completely over. Ace Magashule enjoys significant support, especially from former President Jacob Zuma, himself accused of corruption.
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