AFRICAN MIRROR REPORTER
ACE Magashule, the ANC secretary-general has met with two former South African heads of state as part of consultation around a decision by the national executive committee (NEC) that he should step aside from his role because he faces criminal charges.
Magashule met separately with former presidents Thabo Mbeki and Kgalema Motlanthe. Two weeks ago, he met with former president Jacob Zuma. He asked to be given time to consult with the former leaders to seek counsel around the step aside rule.
Magashule is expected to meet with the six most senior leaders of the ANC, generally referred to as the “Top Six”, tomorrow. The “Top Six” consists of ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa, ANC Deputy President David Mabuza, National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe, Magashule, Deputy Secretary General Jessie Duart and Treasurer Paul Mashatile.
The rule has its basis in an ANC resolution which was adopted at the party’s 54th conference.
Magashule was, in terms of a decision of the last NEC meeting expected to step down on Thursday. He is facing corruption charges and is out on bail of R200 000.
The ANC has now explained that following his consultation with Zuma, Mbeki and Motlanthe and the submission, by provinces of the names of those facing criminal charges, the matter would be discussed and a decision taken at the next NEC meeting.
The ANC’s NEC, its highest decision-making body in between conferences, gave the provinces 30 days to submit lists of those facing corruption and other serious charges. Those facing these charges are expected to withdraw from their roles or face suspension.
* In other developments, Magashule has found himself at odds with the interim leadership of the ANC in the North West.
This is after Magashule accepted an appeal by former North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo against his 5 year suspension by the Interim Provincial Committee (IPC), an interim leadership structure in the province.
Magashule not only accepted the appeal but told Mahumapelo that the effect of the submission of the appeal nullifies the suspension, until the appeal is heard.
“Your letter, dated 29 April 2021, appealing against your suspension by the North West IPC is acknowledged. In your letter, you have formally lodged your appeal against the decision in terms of rule 26.36 of the constitution. Your appeal has been referred to the NDCA. Your membership of the ANC remains intact,” Magashule wrote.
However, Hlomani Chauke, head of the IPC, wrote to Magashule pointing out that his letter to Mahumapelo was in violation of the ANC constitution and insisted that Mahumapelo’s suspension stands.
Mahumapelo was suspended with Bitsa Lenkopane.
