Jessie Duarte funeral

ANC deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte / Image via Twitter: @myanc

ANC NEC rallies behind DSG Jessie Duarte amid ‘attacks’

The ANC NEC has condemned attacks levelled against Ace Magashule’s deputy, Jessie Duarte, who suspended him

Jessie Duarte funeral

ANC deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte / Image via Twitter: @myanc

The ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has expressed its full support for deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte, whom along with the other structures, has had the awkward task of implementing some controversial measures within the party.

The NEC, the ANC’s highest decision-making body met over the weekend to discuss some key issues plaguing the party, most notably, the contentious step-aside resolution which saw Duarte eventually suspend secretary general Ace Magashule.

Magashule enjoys strong support from several ANC branches, who’ve fiercely slammed the step-aside policy. Despite his own assertions – that he remains the ANC secretary general and hasn’t been suspended, he was overruled by the NEC who deliberated over his fate.

Magashule faces dozens of corruption and fraud charges in relation to a R255 million asbestos tender which was awarded in the Free State, when he was still premier.

Was Jessie Duarte attacked for axing Ace Magashule?

It has now emerged that Jessie Duarte was on the receiving end of attacks, most likely because of her move to sack Ace Magashule (at least temporarily so). These attacks were strongly denounced by the ANC NEC and it turns out that Duarte wasn’t the only one who had to deal with the wrath of Magashule’s supporters.

“Members have condemned the unwarranted attacks on the Deputy Secretary General and ANC staff members at Luthuli House for carrying out decisions of the NEC, NWC and Officials. These attacks have taken the form of threats, insults, unfounded allegations and misinformation,” the ANC NEC said.

Duarte had previously implied that a faction aligned to Magashule had attempted to rope her in, as factionalism continues plaguing the party.

The decision-making body further condemned death threats which were levelled against member Andries Nel, who’s also the deputy minister of cooperative governance and traditional affairs.

“We have also noted with great concern death threats made against the ANC NEC Coordinator Cde Andries Nel, and agreed that this be reported to the relevant authorities. The NEC reaffirms its full confidence in the Deputy Secretary General, and supports her in carrying out her duties as per the ANC Constitution”

ANC NEC