SUPPORTERS of suspended ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule, stung by his ejection out of a national executive committee (NEC) meeting, are planning a “mother of all revolts” to bring the already deeply divided ANC to its knees.
The tactics of Magashule’s supporters include using information supplied by his allies inside the party to force the ANC leadership to capitulate bring him back or force a way to topple ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa. They are planning a series of co-ordinated events that will build up to a shutdown of South Africa.
The Magashule supporters, among them the so-called RET forces within the ANC, also plan to gather at Magashule’s home region in the Free State in a show of support. They also plan to use the court appearance of former President Jacob Zuma as a vehicle to mass mobilisation. “On 17 May 2021 all roads lead to Pietermaritzburg where the total shut down shall begin. There will be a full scale shutdown and nothing will stop us,” said an organiser.
Zuma is a political ally of Magashule is one of the former ANC president that he consulted with before his suspension.
On Saturday, Magashule’s plan to use to undermine his suspension exploded in his face when he was kicked out the virtual meeting of the party’s national executive committee.
Magashule, who is suspended because he is on trial facing criminal charges, was removed from the meeting together with ANC MP Bongani Bongo, who has also been charged. Sources told the African Mirror that the removal of Magashule and Bongo was preceded by a long debate on whether or not they should be allowed to attend he meeting. It also followed failed attempts by some leaders in the ANC Women League to initiate protests action in support of Magashule.
NEC sources said fierce debates have continued within the ANC, where Magashule’s allies have used any and every opportunity to either raise his suspension or launch attacks on Ramaphosa.
Twenty four hours before the NEC meeting, a defiant Magashule declared that “I am not going anywhere” and said he was being treated unfairly.
The ANC suspended Ace Magashule this week in line with tougher rules for members charged with corruption and other serious crimes, who were told to “step aside” or vacate their positions within 30 days or face suspension.
Magashule is one of the ANC’s top six officials and runs day-to-day affairs in the party that has governed South Africa since the end of apartheid.
He is a key rival of President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is trying to stamp his authority on the divided party before a leadership contest next year.
Magashule has been charged with corruption over a contract to audit homes with asbestos roofs when he was premier of the Free State province. He has denied wrongdoing, calling the charges flimsy and fabricated in an interview with SABC.
“The ANC is acting in an unfair manner … I have not committed any crime,” Magashule told the state broadcaster, repeating his determination to stay in post.
Magashule said a resolution by the ANC’s national executive at the end of March related to members charged with corruption or other serious crimes had been designed to remove him. He was suspended after failing to step aside within 30 days.
The “step aside” rule will test Ramaphosa’s control over the ANC and his commitment to tackling corruption. The rule is on the agenda of a three-day virtual meeting of the national executive that starts on Saturday. Magashule said he would attend.
Magashule’s defiant stance has set the scene for the ANC national executive committee (NEC) meeting which starts today.
Chaos erupted at the highest level of the party, when a power struggle ensued between the Magashule and Ramaphosa.
Magashule was suspended because he is an accused in a criminal court and hours later attempted to suspend Ramaphosa for vote buying.
Magashule’s unilateral move has united the top four highest ranking officials in the ANC- Deputy President David Mabuza, Treasurer Paul Mashatile, National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe and Deputy Secretary-General Jessie Duarte – behind Ramaphosa.
Mantashe spoke out against Magashule’s action and described his “suspension” of Ramaphosa as meaningless because the secretary-general does not have power to suspend the president.
With him isolated from the top officials, Magashule’s fate lies in the hand of the NEC, the party’s highest decision making body in between conferences, where the Ramaphosa has majority support.
Sources in the Magashule camp revealed that the plan is to stage a mass walkout out of the ANC, by those aligned to him, in an attempt to collapse the meeting. The walkout is planned to take place when Magashule, who insists he is not suspended because he has lodged an appeal, is denied access to the meeting. The walkout is expected to be preceded by a night vigil outside Luthuli House, the ANC headquarters tonight, to show support for Magashule.
Those close to Ramaphosa are understood to be preparing to ask the ANC to press new charges against Magashule stemming out of his unprecedented attempt to suspend the party president. Some are calling for his expulsion.
The escalation of dirty tricks from the ANC factions led to Magashule’s supporters calling for the suspension of Duarte, claiming that she has a criminal record.
In Parliament yesterday, Ramaphosa assured the ANC caucus that Magashule’s suspension letter was null and void. He told ANC MPs he was shocked and dismayed by Magashule’s letter.
Later during the Presidential Question Time in the National Assembly, Ramaphosa came under pressure from opposition parties – the Democratic Alliance to answer questions around the developments in the ANC. He dismissed opposition leader John Steenhuysen. “It’s none of your business,” he said. – African Mirror Reporter and Thomson Reuters Foundation.
