Carl Niehaus: ‘I stand with my

MKMVA spokesperson Carl Niehaus and ANC secretary general Ace Magashule
Image via Twitter @Niehaus_Carl

Carl Niehaus: ‘I stand with my friend, Ace Magashule’

The MKMVA’s Carl Niehaus claims Ace Magashule is one of several people being targeted using the ANC’s step-aside resolution

Carl Niehaus: ‘I stand with my

MKMVA spokesperson Carl Niehaus and ANC secretary general Ace Magashule
Image via Twitter @Niehaus_Carl

The uMkhonto Wesizwe Military Veterans Association’s (MKMVA) spokesperson Carl Niehaus is rallying behind the African National Congress (ANC) secretary general Ace Magashule as he battles to stay in his post.

Magashule was suspended by the party on Wednesday, 5 May 2021, in accordance with the ANC’s step-aside policy.

Speaking to eNCA, Niehaus, who has long been a vocal supporter of Magashule, defended his nearly 30-year friendship with the embattled secretary general.

“I know Comrade Ace as someone who has dedicated his life to the liberation struggle, who’s been a member of uMkhonto WeSizwe, who worked in the underground and made a major contribution both before 1994 and most certainly afterwards,” Niehaus said.

“I am not going to separate myself from my friends, whether they appear in court or whatever happens. I’m committed to that friendship (with Ace Magashule) and it goes way beyond just the immediate situation that we are faced with. It is a commitment which shows what friendship should be all about”

MKMVA spokesperson Carl Niehaus

Carl Niehaus slams ANC step-aside resolution

Like other party members, Ace Magashule had the option to either step aside or face suspension, as per the resolution. Carl Niehaus however insists that the resolution is selective and is only targeting specific individuals – Magashule being one of them.

“They’ve gone wrong by not implementing that resolution in its entirety,” Niehaus said.

Niehaus argues that the scope of those expected to step aside includes those who are merely alleged to have been involved in corrupt activities.

The ANC National Working Committee (NWC) resolved to support the enforcement of the step aside policy, which directs for all party members facing corruption charges and other serious crimes, step to temporarily vacate their posts of be suspended.

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.