Secretary-General Ace Magashule is likely to be booted as a Top Six general of the African National Congress (ANC).
Will Ace Magashule be removed as ANC’s SG?
Early reports from News24 indicate that this was the resolution met by the Integrity Commission after it reviewed Magashule’s asbestos-gate fraud case.
It’s believed the integrity body has submitted a three-page report to the party’s national executive committee (NEC) with recommendations on how to handle the matter against Magashule.
Since the Nasrec resolutions are the holy grail of the party’s governance, Rule 25.70 — which calls for the suspension of all members meddled in allegations of corruption or other crimes — must be appropriately applied, the IC suggested.
The ball rests in Ramaphosa’s court
Next, the NEC is expected to huddle over the report and make a decision based on the recommendations noted by the IC. It is important to note that, while Magashule is yet to make a public statement on this development, the commission’s recommendations are not legally binding.
The body is merely in existence for the party to exercise measures of accountability within its ranks. All report recommendations can be challenged and this could be the case for the SG.
Although, it’s been reported that Magashule has made it known that if it’s suggested he step aside until the court matters are finalised, he will comply.
The ball rests with President Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC high-rankers. We expect to hear from the party soon on what steps it will take in dealing with the matter.
We don’t imagine that things are calm in Free State branches that side with Magashule.
