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This despite a resolution for officials and members of the ruling party to resign when they face criminal charges.
ANC Secretary General Ace Magashule. Photo: Abigail Javier / EWN
JOHANNESBURG – African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Ace Magashule will remain in the top spot despite an arrest warrant issued for him to appear in court on Friday for controversial asbestos tenders in the Free State, which cost more than 200 million rand.
This despite a resolution for officials and members of the ruling party to resign when they face criminal charges.
• ALSO READ: Magashule will cooperate with authorities and be in court on Friday – ANC
Instead, the ANC on Wednesday took a 180-degree turn on the decision, saying it is consulting legal counsel on its merits.
Magashule is alleged to have participated in the failed multi-million dollar asbestos contract, which never benefited residents, but suppliers were paid more than 255 million rand.
Although it was always a long shot that Magashule would step down in accordance with the ANC’s resolution on corruption, the party said its hands were currently tied, as the move had had undesirable results in the past.
• Magashule’s Arrest Could Strengthen Movements to Topple Ramaphosa, Analysts Warn
Addressing reporters after senior ANC officials met Tuesday, Assistant Secretary General Jessie Duarte said the party was still concerned about whether officials charged with a crime should drop their posts.
“We need serious legal advice based on the fact that some comrades were initially indicted and then had to vacate their positions, and then legal actions were withdrawn after they were already asked to leave vacancies in high positions in the movement. ”Said Duarte.
However, the resolutions of the 54th ANC conference were clear that party members accused of or reported to be involved in corrupt practices should immediately report to the integrity commission or face Disciplinary actions.
The resolution further stated that those who did not give acceptable explanations to the commission or who did not voluntarily resign while facing disciplinary, investigative, or procedural proceedings, should be summarily suspended.
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