ANC SG Ace Magashule and DSGand Jessie Duarte
Image sourced via Twitter @MyANC
Jessie Duarte calls on Ace to condemn ‘Hands off Magashule’ grouping
ANC secretary general Ace Magashule’s supporters have been vocal about his possible stepping down, but Jessie Duarte wants him to publicly call them out
ANC SG Ace Magashule and DSGand Jessie Duarte
Image sourced via Twitter @MyANC
It appears things may not be so rosy between ANC secretary general Ace Magashule and his deputy, Jessie Duarte.
In addition to external matters affecting the ANC, analysts argue that the ruling party is in crisis mode due to rising factionalism. One of the most notable “factions” would be that which supports Magashule in the midst of his court battle in the R255 million asbestos scandal he has been embroiled in.
Duarte had a sit down with the SABC on Thursday, 15 April 2021, to discuss factionalism in the ANC and a damning audio recording which was leaked. In the clip, she can be heard slamming the State Capture Commission and express her support for former president Jacob Zuma, after he decided to snub the inquiry.
The interview was held on the same day a group of ANC members and supporters protested outside the party’s Luthuli House offices. They demonstrators claimed the contentious step aside resolution of the ANC was selective and targeted certain people, including Magashule.
Ace Magashule vs Jessie Duarte?
Jessie Duarte has called on Magashule to come out and condemn the actions of his supporters, adding that such a move would help them as a party. Magashule has on several occasions publicly denounced several groupings expressing their support for him, including “Hands off Magashule,” who have made demonstrated outside court, whenever he appears.
“I’m disappointed if the SG does not do something to say, ‘Not in my name’. I would really urge him to say, ‘Not in my name’,” Duarte said.
“I think that’s helpful and will help the organisation,” she said.
Referring to the ANC’s step aside resolution, Duarte said Magashule should follow the rules and respect the decisions made by the NEC.
“One would hope the SG would accept that particular perspective of himself as a very senior member of this organisation. He’s not junior. The SG is very senior and he’s very knowledgeable in terms of what the ANC rules are. He’s been in the NEC of the ANC since 1992, the first conference in Durban. He has been around. He’s been party to the decisions of the national executive committee”
ANC deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte
