South African ruling Party African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Ace Magashule gives a press briefing on February 13, 2018 on the outcome of the ANC National Executive Committee, in Johannesburg at party’s headquarters. South Africa’s ruling ANC party said it expected scandal-tainted President Jacob Zuma to respond on February 14, 2018 to its decision to “recall” him from office. (Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP)
Acexit! Former ANC SG Magashule officially expelled from party
Former Secretary-General Ace Magashule has been officially expelled from the African National Congress (ANC) on Monday.
South African ruling Party African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Ace Magashule gives a press briefing on February 13, 2018 on the outcome of the ANC National Executive Committee, in Johannesburg at party’s headquarters. South Africa’s ruling ANC party said it expected scandal-tainted President Jacob Zuma to respond on February 14, 2018 to its decision to “recall” him from office. (Photo by GIANLUIGI GUERCIA / AFP)
The African National Congress (ANC) National Disciplinary Committee (NDC) confirmed former Secretary-General Ace Magashule’s expulsion from the political party on Monday, 12 June.
READ: Ace Magashule is on the brink of expulsion from the ANC
Magashule expelled from ANC
Magashule was found guilty of bringing the party into disrepute after he attempted to suspend President Cyril Ramaphosa illegally in May 2021. He also failed to abide by an official instruction to apologise for the attempt.
Last week, the NDC gave Magashule seven days to respond and give reasons why he should not be ousted for his behaviour. He made no representations, according to the Committee.
“Consequently, the NDC confirmed the expulsion of comrade Ace Magashule from the ANC as a final sanction,” read the statement.
READ: Off-duty detective killed while defending tenant on Monday
Corruption charges
The former Secretary-General attempted to suspend Ramaphosa while there were calls for him to step aside due to his alleged involvement in the Free State asbestos tender corruption scandal. The South African previously reported that the President recently gave the Special Investigative Unit (SIU) the authorisation to investigate his tenure as Premier in the Free State.
READ: SIU to probe Magashule’s tenure as Free State Premier
The matter will finally be heard in the Bloemfontein High Court from 15 April to 23 June 2024. Magashule, Edwin Sodi, Nthimotse Mokhesi and others face 95 charges in total, including contravention of the Public Finance Management Act, money laundering, fraud, and corruption.
Magashule has always maintained his innocence. “I have never taken a cent from the taxpayers’ money,” he said after the court date was said, per TimesLive.
READ: Flirting with the EFF? Ace’s ‘political activity’ infuriates ANC
