Photo: Twitter
Photo: Twitter
We have a feeling Ace Magashule will be reading this news from behind the sofa: Mike Mabuyakhulu has taken a very important first step for both himself AND the rest of the ANC – he became the first significant figure in the party to voluntarily ‘step aside’ from his job after being dogged by allegations of corruption.
Who is Mike Mabuyakhulu?
The KZN Provincial Deputy Chair was identified by the ANC Integrity Commission as someone who had committed blatant acts of maladministration. Although he did not resign within the recommended 30-day window, Mabuyakhulu has now laid down the gauntlet for several other major players in the ruling party.
The National Working Committee (NWC) of the ANC last night instructed the secretary-general’s office to write letters to all members who are affected by the new “step-aside” rule. With Ace Magashule being implicated, however, he has had to hand duties over to Jessie Duarte. Anyone who fails to comply will now be suspended from their roles.
First ANC figure to ‘step aside’ – will Ace Magashule follow?
Mabuyakhulu has become the first person to walk before he could be pushed, and all eyes will soon swivel to Ace Magashule. The party stalwart has dug in stubbornly to ignore the step aside directive so far, but his comrade in KZN could prove to be the first domino of many that fall voluntarily. The deputy chair also released a statement on Tuesday.
“No individual is bigger than the ANC, and all of us should subject ourselves to bonafide ANC decisions. In line with the position adopted by our movement, I hereby respectfully tender my resignation. I will step aside from my position as the Provincial Deputy Chairperson of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal.”
“My decision to step aside should be communicated to all members of the party, as well as the general public. It has not been difficult to arrive at this decision, and I would have tendered this letter much earlier – but I learned there was a meeting of national officials that would give more clarity and guidance on the ‘step aside resolution’.”
ANC KZN Deputy Chairperson Mike Mabuyakhulu has stepped aside in position in the KZN province. He is leading by example.
— Keabetswe Nkosazana Manyobe (@KBmanyobe) May 4, 2021
We will wait for rest to follow ✊????✊????#StateCaptureCommission#PleaseCallMe pic.twitter.com/Yy2rQoPBC7
