Author of 'Gangster state' book not deterred by disruptions
Pieter-Louis Myburgh says the launch of his 'Gangster state' book continues, despite disruptions at the function in Sandton on Tuesday night.
A group of protesters caused chaos inside the Exclusive Books store in Sandton City, forcing the abrupt halt of the function by ripping up several books and standing in solidarity with African National Congress (ANC) Secretary General Ace Magashule.
In his book, Myburgh reveals how the Secretary-General allegedly captured the Free-State province during his tenure as Premier by receiving pay backs from the proceeds of a contentious R230 million asbestos deal that was awarded to his Human Settlement Department.
It also tells of how Magashule apparently forced then mayor of Bloemfontein, Thabo Manoyi, to visit the Gupta compound in Saxonworld, where Manoyi was told that he would be Premier of the Free-State.
Speaking to Jacaranda FM, Myburgh said he did expect a strong reaction for Magashule supporters, adding that it was a bit disappointing that the protesters were not willing to engage him through proper processes.
"The reaction would have always been strong. I expected a strong reaction, but I think it's very important that all the involved event organisers, the security, the police in future really prepare for these kinds of eventualities," says Myburgh.
The next book launch will take place at the Waterfront in Cape Town on Thursday.
"At the end of the day, these book launches are a great opportunity to unpack and discuss matters raised in made in the book."
[CLIP]-Pieter Louis Myburgh full interview.
Meanwhile, the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) on national level, distanced itself from the disruptions and the call by the ANCYL structures in the Free State to burn the book on Monday.
Secretary of the league, Njabulo Nzuza, says they have advised the Free State ANCYL to issue a statement retracting their statement on calling for the book to be burnt in a bonfire.
Nzuza adds that they will continue supporting Ace Magaushule in taking legal action against Myburgh.
"We will support the Secretary-General to make sure that he takes the book on legal review and act according to the prescripts of the law to how to deal with the issue.
"But democracy detects that we can't be involved in any burning of a book."
Nzuza concluded by saying they will look at the video footage taken at the launch and establish if the members are part of the ruling party.
Meanwhile, the African National Congress Youth League (ANCYL) on national level, distanced itself from the disruptions and the call by the ANCYL structures in the Free State to burn the book on Monday.
Secretary of the league, Njabulo Nzuza, says they have advised the Free State ANCYL to issue a statement retracting their statement on calling for the book to be burnt in a bonfire.
Nzuza adds that they will continue supporting Ace Magaushule in taking legal action against Myburgh.
"We will support the Secretary-General to make sure that he takes the book on legal review and act according to the prescripts of the law to how to deal with the issue.
"But democracy detects that we can't be involved in any burning of a book."
Nzuza concluded by saying they will look at the video footage taken at the launch and establish if the members are part of the ruling party.