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Given that the radical stance of ANC Secretary General Ace Magashule looks set to spark more factional battles within the ruling party, a political analyst has warned that Magashule’s threats should not be taken lightly.
In scenes reminiscent of those preceding the 2007 Polokwane ANC conference, in which Jacob Zuma was elected ANC president, Magashule has fired the first political salvo. The general secretary called on the party’s branches to decide on its political future and threatened to expose other ANC members involved in corruption.
Magashule faces 21 counts of fraud, corruption and money laundering in the Bloemfontein Magistrates Court, stemming from the 255 million rand Free State asbestos project. However, he has promised that no one will prevent him from fulfilling his political responsibilities at the Luthuli House party headquarters.
This goes directly against the resolution of the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) that members facing corruption charges should “step aside”, pending the outcome of the investigations and the issues against them.
President Cyril Ramaphosa wrote to party members in August that the ANC “stands as the number one defendant” and that the above position was taken by the NEC, the highest decision-making body between national conferences.
Despite being part of the meeting, Magashule has refused to abide by the position of the NEC – saying that the branches, which elected him to power, were the only bodies to remove him – “not individuals”.
Ace’s Power Play
Commenting on Magashule’s stance, which some analysts have seen as undermining Ramaphosa’s authority, independent political analyst Dr. Ralph Mathekga said: “It’s going to be quite difficult for President Ramaphosa, because if he doesn’t align the party with his agenda , including a -Corruption campaign, there will be difficulties.
“We have seen this happen when a riot breaks out within the ANC, related to a sitting president. It is not unthinkable if a special congress, NGC or conference is convened, which will be seen as a sign that the ANC affiliates believe there is something urgent to attend to.
“This is a great test of power within the ANC, which has serious implications because if the party does not see the importance of Ramaphosa’s crusade against corruption, then it will rebel against his leadership.”
The political science professor at the University of South Africa, Dirk Kotze, said: “This is a revolt against members of the ANC, which has a clear break with corruption.
Special congress could spell disaster for Ramaphosa
Like Jacob Zuma, Magashule currently presents himself as someone with popular support within the ANC. Next year’s NGC presents uncertainties. President Ramaphosa has been trying to avoid the NGC for as long as possible.
“He is concerned that the meeting will provide a platform for his political adversaries within the ANC to mobilize for support, and he wants to deny them that opportunity.”
Wits University School of Governance Visiting Professor Susan Booysen said that despite Magashule’s branch mobilization strategy, Ramaphosa continued to enjoy broad support within the ANC.
“While during the times of Covid-19, it has been difficult to gauge their support, because there are no activities like general branch meetings, regional and provincial conferences, the branches still align with the party’s top leadership.
“KZN (KwaZulu-Natal) has leaned in favor of Ramaphosa and the Eastern Cape is not as divided as in the past.
“But there are still counterforces in provinces like Northwest,” Booysen said.
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