It’s D-day for Ace Magashule – will he step aside?

The time has come for African National Congress (ANC) secretary general Ace Magashule to step aside from his duties as the 30-day time period comes to an end on Thursday, April 29, 2021.

Should Magashule refuse to step aside, then his second in command, deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte would have to suspend him.

At the moment, word is Magashule is not going down without a fight and like others who are in his corner, maintains that the ANC’s step aside policy is selective.

All ANC provincial secretaries had until 15 April to submit names of people stepping aside, to Magashule – however there are still questions as to its scope.

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa had said it would only apply to those facing criminal charges before the courts. However Magashule said even those who are merely accused or reported to be involved in corruption, would be forced to step aside.

ANC leaders advise Magashule

Ace Magashule had recently sat down with ANC leaders, including Jacob Zuma and Matthews Phosa, to seek guidance on the way forward.

He said he would soon reveal all about his talks with the senior ANC leaders. Their advice is believed to be what will inform his decision, whether to step aside or challenge the resolution. It’s no secret that the policy has the ANC divided and places certain members of the party in a pretty tight spot.

Magashule faces fraud and corruption charges in connection with a R255 million asbestos contract which was awarded in 2014 in the Free State, when he was still premier. It’s because of the aforementioned matter that he could possibly step aside, as per the policy.

The step aside resolution has undoubtedly ruffled a few feathers in the ANC, and likely fueled tensions within rival factions in the party.