ANC serves Niehaus with a notice of suspension
Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans' Association (MKMVA) spokesperson Carl Niehaus has been served with a notice of suspension by the African National Congress (ANC).
Niehaus, who has been employed in the office of the Secretary-General Ace Magashule, has been given 48 hours to defend why he should not be suspended on full pay, pending the institution of disciplinary action.
It follows the statement that Niehaus released on his social media last week and in which he complains that ANC Deputy Secretary General, Jessie Duarte attacked him while he was recovering from what he calls “Covid-19 pneumonia”.
Neihaus wrote: “Comrade Jessie Duarte, saw it fit to attack me, and undermine my long history as a 42-year veteran of the ANC in good standing, as well as my elected position as an NEC member of MKMVA, and MKMVA National Spokesperson. This she did, knowing that when she was doing so, I was gravely ill.”
In a letter dated 19 January 2021 and signed by the ANC’s General Manager, Febe Potgieter-Gqubule, the ruling party says Niehaus will face disciplinary action for his personal attack on Duarte.
“You have been advised, on more than one occasion, that your public statements and social media posts are unbecoming of someone working in this high office, which has the primary responsibility of driving and coordinating the work of all structures of the ANC,” reads an excerpt of the letter to Niehaus.
The party says he has crossed all boundaries expected from an ANC employee.
“The personal attack on the ANC Deputy Secretary-General in this statement is a serious violation of the ANC Personnel Policy Manual. ANC staff members are expected to abide by the discipline of the organisation, and personal attacks by a member of staff on elected leadership – without even attempting to address the matter internally – is unprofessional, is not tolerated and is in violation of the Manual,” reads the letter.
In a document attached to the letter, ANC SG Magashule wrote "I have observed, with concern, that you are involved in activities that create the impression that you act on instructions from me. I wish to distance myself from your remarks regarding the NEC of which I am a member."
When asked about the letter, Niehaus told JacarandaFM News he would not respond.
“Unfortunately, as a disciplined member of the African National Congress, I do not comment or respond on leaked letters, so that is my position. I cannot give any further comment,” said Niehaus.
The ANC could not yet be reached for comment.
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