Clearer lines are being drawn between factions within the ANC, as the party’s secretary general, Ace Magashule, pushes back against calls for him to step aside from the position following his arrest on charges of corruption.<\/p>\n
The ANC earlier this year adopted a new ‘step-aside’ stance on members accused of and charged with serious crimes, where these members would be expected to voluntarily step down from any positions of power while their legal matters are dealt with.<\/p>\n
The policy, however, has not worked out the way the party had hoped, with those accused of or even charged with criminal conduct refusing to leave.<\/p>\n
This includes Magashule, who was officially charged with corruption, fraud and money-laundering in November.<\/a><\/p>\n The case against Magashule relates to a R255 million asbestos audit contract that was awarded in the Free State. Four other government officials and business people were also detained in connection with the contract in September. He was granted R200,000 bail.<\/p>\n Magashule and his supporters have said that the charges are politically motivated, and because the role of secretary general is not a public office, they have argued that the step aside’ rule does not apply.<\/p>\n Because of the vague process around the rule, the ruling party put it on ice, to be discussed at the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting being held on Sunday (6 December).<\/p>\n