Ace Magashule, the former secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC), was expelled from the party on June 12, 2023. Magashule was found guilty by the ANC’s national disciplinary committee of failing to abide by the party’s step-aside rule, which requires members who are facing criminal charges to step down from their positions.
Magashule was charged with corruption in 2021, in connection with a R230 million asbestos eradication tender awarded when he was premier of the Free State province. He has denied the charges.
Magashule’s expulsion is a major victory for President Cyril Ramaphosa, who has been trying to clean up the ANC and rid it of corruption. Ramaphosa has been facing a challenge from Magashule and his allies, who are known as the Radical Economic Transformation (RET) faction. The RET faction wants to see a more radical shift in economic policy, away from free market capitalism and towards more state intervention.
The dismissal of Magashule is likely to weaken the RET faction and improve Ramaphosa’s standing. However, it is likely to further divide the ANC, which is already dealing with a number of issues, including dropping poll support and an increasing number of corruption scandals.
Background on Ace Magashule
Ace Magashule was born in 1959 in the Free State province of South Africa. He joined the ANC in 1980 and was active in the anti-apartheid struggle. After the end of apartheid, Magashule served as a member of the Free State provincial legislature and as the premier of the province from 2009 to 2018.
Magashule is a controversial figure. He has been accused of corruption and of being a close ally of former president Jacob Zuma. He has also been criticized for his handling of the asbestos eradication tender scandal.
Despite the allegations against him, Magashule remains a popular figure among some ANC members. He is seen as a strong and charismatic leader who is committed to fighting for the rights of the poor.
The Impact of Magashule’s Expulsion
Magashule’s expulsion is likely to have a significant impact on the ANC and on South African politics.
Within the ANC, Magashule’s expulsion is likely to further divide the party. The RET faction is likely to become more vocal in its opposition to Ramaphosa, and the party could face further splits.
On the national stage, Magashule’s expulsion is likely to weaken the ANC. The party is already facing a number of challenges, including declining support in the polls and a growing number of corruption scandals. Magashule’s expulsion is likely to make it more difficult for the ANC to win the next general election.
Magashule’s expulsion is also likely to have a significant impact on South African politics. The ANC has been the dominant political party in South Africa since the end of apartheid. However, the party’s popularity has been declining in recent years. Magashule’s expulsion could further weaken the ANC and make it more difficult for the party to govern South Africa.
The Future of the ANC
The future of the ANC is uncertain. The party is facing a number of challenges, including declining support in the polls, a growing number of corruption scandals, and internal divisions. Magashule’s expulsion is likely to make it more difficult for the ANC to overcome these challenges.
It is possible that the ANC will be able to reform and emerge as a stronger party. However, it is also possible that the party will continue to decline and eventually lose power. The future of the ANC will depend on the ability of the party to address its challenges and to unite its members.
