Ace Magashule ANC Suspended

Former FS Premier and current ANC SG Ace Magashule. Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP

Ace Magashule broadens scope of ANC members who must step aside

ANC secretary general Ace Magashule could potentially turn the party on its head, in making a dramatic change to its step aside resolution

Ace Magashule ANC Suspended

Former FS Premier and current ANC SG Ace Magashule. Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP

Things have just gotten more interesting in the implementation of the contentious African National Congress (ANC) step aside resolution. ANC secretary general Ace Magashule has widened the scope for those who now have to either step aside from their duties in the ruling party, or face suspension.

In a letter dated Friday, 9 April 2021 and sent to all the ANC’s provincial secretaries, Magashule said in addition to those facing corruption or serious criminal charges, the list of names must also include those who have been implicated or alleged to be involved in wrongdoing but not yet charged.

Ace Magashule gives deadline for names of people stepping aside

Ace Magashule has further imposed a deadline of Thursday, 15 April, for his counterparts in the various provinces, to submit the names of those who’ll soon find themselves sitting at home, at least temporarily.

“Provinces are requested to submit, by April 15, the names of those members who have been charged with corruption or other serious crimes and those who are alleged, reported to be or implicated in corrupt activities. Provinces must provide details of whether affected comrades have been personally informed in writing”

ANC secretary general Ace Magashule

This is a dramatic change in the implementation of the step aside resolution. The National Executive Committee (NEC), the highest decision-making body, had taken a decision back in March, that the resolution would strictly be applicable to those facing charges.

“All members who have been charged with corruption or other serious crimes must step aside within 30 days, failing which they should be suspended in terms of rule 25.70 of the ANC constitution,” Ramaphosa said at the time.

It’s no secret that the list of ANC members, particularly those who have been merely accused of wrongdoing, is endless – this begs several questions, what would the allegations be limited to? What exactly would that scope be? If this is implemented at all, would there even be anybody left in the ANC?

From ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa, to the likes of Naledi Pandor, Gwede Mantashe and David Mabuza – a large number of party members in the ANC face allegations and recommending that even they surrender their posts, even temporarily, would most certainly impair the ruling party.