Ace Magashule has hindered president Cyril Ramaphosa's anti-corruption drive, telling his supporters that he will not step aside as ANC secretary-general despite facing 21 charges related to a controversial R255m Free State asbestos roof tender.
Ramaphosa has spoken against the scourge of corruption, promising to deal with it decisively. In August, he sent a letter to all ANC members reiterating the call for those who were charged with corruption to step aside until their names were cleared.
"We cannot hope to win back people’s trust if we continue to allow cadres who are charged with criminal conduct for corruption to occupy positions of responsibility within government and our movement.
"Those charged are required to insulate the African National Congress from reputational damage arising from their personal challenges by stepping aside while their cases are being heard," he wrote.
The ANC adopted a resolution at its national conference in 2017 that leaders facing legal battles should be excluded from political activity. But on Wednesday the ANC national executive committee said it was still finalising its framework on the matter.
An arrest warrant was issued for Magashule this week, he handed himself over on Friday morning and appeared in court later in the day. He was granted R200,000 bail.
Speaking outside court, Ace said only a special ANC conference could tell him to step aside.
“I’ve grown up in traditions and cultures of the ANC. I’ve never seen one individual in the ANC deciding for us. It will never happen while we are there,” he said.
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