The ANC has expelled Ace Magashule after failing to apologise for attempting to suspend Ramaphosa Photo Thapelo Morebudi/ Sowetan Live
South Africa – The expulsion of former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule has sparked debates and discussions about its impact on the party and the political landscape. With Magashule out in the cold and elections coming up, one wonders if he is going to join another political party or form a new one.
Magashule’s expulsion has sparked intense debates with former ANC Women’s League President, Bathabile Dlamini believing the ANC, known for its historical patience with difficult members, made the decision to expel Magashule from the party. Dalamini argued that rushing the expulsion was unnecessary. However, Dr. Ntsikelelo Breakfast, a political analyst, argued that Magashule was given ample opportunities to rectify his actions but failed to do so.
On May 3, 2021, Magashule found himself suspended from his position due to his defiance in stepping aside while he was criminally charged and his refusal to apologise for his attempt to suspend President Cyril Ramaphosa, despite being specifically instructed to do so by the party.
“He was given two golden opportunities to make right what he did. The first golden opportunity was to apologise to the president, and he didn’t want to do that. Secondly, he was given an opportunity to present his side of the story and he didn’t want to do that. Now based on that, I would argue that he was asking for this.”
Breakfast believes Magashule found himself unable to work with the president and perhaps found himself unable to contribute to the party as he wishes. This could be one of the reasons why he did not feel the need to take one of the “golden opportunities” presented to him.
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Implications for ANC and political landscape
The expulsion of Magashule raises questions about whether he was used as a scapegoat by the ANC to send a clear warning to other potential dissenters. The ANC, facing internal divisions and approaching elections, aims to present a unified front to voters.
“At the moment I think the Ramaphosa faction has consolidated power especially after the National Conference. The forces of RET have been working. They are on the back foot. The ANC doesn’t want the implementations of the Zondo Commission to spill over on how the party functions. You must remember there are also people in the Ramaphosa faction who might be affected. Elections are just around the corner and the ANC now wants to function as a unified force. That’s why those reports of the Zondo Commission have been put on hold. I don’t think that they are going to be implemented anytime soon.”
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The future of Magashule
One possibility for Magashule is to join forces with other political parties outside the ANC. Julius Malema, Economic Freedom Fighter (EFF) President, revealed that his party is in talks with Magashule to have him join the red berets. However, it is unlikely that Magashule would align with the EFF, as their views on radical economic transformation differ, explained Breakfast. Instead, he may find common ground with another former ANC member.
“The mere fact, maybe it was a coincidence, but the mere fact that Carl Niehaus has spoken against the disciplinary hearing of the ANC of Ace Magashule signifies that he was trying to reach out to him. You must remember Ace Magashule was the one who employed Carl Niehaus in his office. They have a relationship.”
Magashule’s expulsion from the ANC marks a significant turning point in South African politics. His future trajectory remains uncertain, with possibilities ranging from forming alliances with other former ANC members to creating a new political party. As the upcoming general elections approach, political dynamics are likely to intensify, with score-settling and power plays taking centre stage. The ANC’s ability to maintain unity and address corruption will be closely scrutinised by voters and political analysts alike.
Dr. Ntsikelelo Breakfast engaged in a compelling discussion with Julie Alli, delving into the factors that could shape Ace Magashule’s future and drawing comparisons between the eras of Presidents Ramaphosa and Zuma. Tune in to their thought-provoking conversation here:
