Staff Reporter
ANC secretary general Ace Magashule has been suspended from the party after failing to step aside within 30 days in line with a decision passed by the National Executive Committee (NEC) at the end of March against leaders facing corruption and other serious charges.
The suspension means Magashule, who faces corruption charges in a failed asbestos audit and removal project in the Free State, may not be involved in any party activities until his case has been finalised.
A letter dated May 3, 2021 and signed by ANC deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte and addressed to Magashule states in part that he had failed to abide by a resolution of the party.
“You have been indicted to appear in a court of law on charges of corruption, and fraud, alternatively theft and money laundering,” read part of the letter.
“Accordingly, on the authority of the NWC (National Working Committee), you are hereby temporarily suspended with effect from 3 May 2021 until the final outcome of your court proceedings.”
Four key conditions are outlined in the letter of suspension, namely that he:
- may not carry out the duties and responsibilities of his office as secretary general;
- may not represent the organisation publicly or in any other forum;
- may not make public pronouncements on matters related to the organisation;
- may not engage in the mobilisation of ANC structures, any other organisations or individuals, including on step-aside and matters related thereto.
Magashule will however receive his salary as well as other benefits during the suspension period and the party will relook into the matter every six months.
“During the period that you, as a full-time office bearer employed by the organisation, are temporarily suspended, you will be entitled to remuneration and other benefits in line with your conditions of employment.
“You are required to update the Office of the Secretary General on a monthly basis regarding the progress with your case.
“The decision to temporarily suspend you will be reviewed by the NEC every six months, or from time to time at your request,” Duarte explained in the letter.
It’s not yet clear if former Mangaung executive mayor Olly Mlamleli, who is jointly charged together with Magashule and other people in the asbestos matter, voluntarily stepped aside or will be suspended by the party as well.
Mlamleli is the provincial chairperson of the ANC Women’s League in the Free State.
Magashule and his co-accused will stand trial in the Free State High Court in August.