ANC denies that Ace Magashule will face Integrity Commission

The African National Congress (ANC) has denied reports that it’s bringing Secretary-General Ace Magashule before the party’s Integrity Commission.

A letter, widely being circulated on social media, purports to be addressed to Magashule from the commission’s chairperson George Mashamba, in which he requests that the Secretary-General avail himself for a meeting.

“The Integrity Commission had initially hoped to meet with you to discuss and clarify the interview with you on Saturday 29 August. We were however advised that there is a Special NEC scheduled for 28th to 30th August 2020. We therefore request your audience at any time of your convenience during the coming week”, the letter reads in part.

“Please inform Comrade Obakeng Moate of your availability to enable her to set up the meeting”, it further said.

This isn’t the first time the party has had to issue statements of denial surrounding its controversial Secretary-General – as early as Monday, 24 August 2020, Magashule was accused of distancing the ANC from a letter from President Cyril Ramaphosa, in which he addresses the party’s history with corruption.

While he has not verified the authenticity of the letter, ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe said they had seen it and confirmed that Magashule had yet to receive such communication from the committee.

“Should a letter like that be brought to his attention or by any other body of the organisation for as long as matters are raised within the structures of the organisation, internally so”, Mabe further said.

Magashule: ‘I will never step aside over corruption allegations’

In July 2020, Magashule did a television interview with news channel Newzroom Afrika, in which he said he would never step aside due to corruption allegations.

“That is how the enemy is planning to finish the ANC…A member of the ANC is entitled to be treated as a citizen. Fairness, the rule of law (and)  the rule of natural justice is what you and I expect. You just come tomorrow and say Magashule was involved in this, therefore I must step aside. I will never do that”, he told the broadcaster.

The secretary-general is definitely not a stranger to corruption, with the latest allegations having to do with dodgy COVID-19 tender.

According to City Press, his sons Tshepiso and Thato received a R2.7 million contract.