Can the latest allegations spell the end for ANC’s Ace Magashule?

African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Ace Magashule has been hitting the headlines after making statements about economic policy independently of the party.

Now it’s being reported that the ANC is set to investigate him for allegedly playing a key role in the formation of the African Transformation Movement (ATM).

News24 quotes sources as saying the inquiry will be led by former president and ANC secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe and will include former speaker of Parliament, Frene Ginwala.

John Maytham speaks to Mcebisi Ndletyana, associate professor at the University of Johannesburg’s (UJ) Pan African Institute about the implications of these developments.

Ndletyana emphasizes that the findings of any investigation would have to be conclusive for action to be taken against Magashule, but in that case, the action would be severe.

Kgalema Motlanthe as well as Frene Ginwala – both of them are quite strict on disciplinary issues and have expressed themselves against the kind of antics that Ace and company have involved themselves in.

— Mcebisi Ndletyana, Associate professor of politics and international relations – UJ

If it is indeed verified, that’s what the ANC would characterise as counter-revolutionary activity, literally working against the ANC.

— Mcebisi Ndletyana, Associate professor of politics and international relations – UJ

This is a serious accusation which carries either expulsion or suspended membership.

— Mcebisi Ndletyana, Associate professor of politics and international relations – UJ

Looking back at the expulsion of Congress of the People (Cope) sympathisers after that party was formed in 2008, Ndletyana acknowledges that getting rid of a secretary-general is a much more serious matter.

However, he believes that there is a strong voice within the ANC’s National Executive Committee in favour of getting rid of divisive elements.

It becomes easier or more necessary now – the ANC has suffered a lot of electoral loss. They are in desperate need to unify the party, especially because they need a government that is backed by a united ANC for its own reputation.

— Mcebisi Ndletyana, Associate professor of politics and international relations – UJ

Even though some of them think unity is sacred, that you need to remain together, nonetheless they are realising that certain figures are not interested in unity… that they are working against the ANC.

— Mcebisi Ndletyana, Associate professor of politics and international relations – UJ

Really, Ace has set himself up as alternative centre of power in the ANC, literally working against his president.

— Mcebisi Ndletyana, Associate professor of politics and international relations – UJ

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