Magashule 'won’t step aside' as he prepares for court appearance
Ace Magashule won't step down from his position as the secretary-general of the African National Congress (ANC) while facing corruption charges.
The party's treasurer-general Paul Mashatile said on Wednesday that the issue of Magashule stepping down from his role was not tabled at a meeting of the party’s top six leaders.
Magashule informed the party at the meeting that he has been summoned to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The charges relate to his alleged role in the Free State's R255-million asbestos audit contract.
"The issue of stepping down is a matter that the NEC is still faced with. I'm sure in the next NEC the matter would be discussed, so we didn't venture into that discussion," said Mashatile.
The organisation's deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte told journalists that Magashule was clear that he doesn't want people marching to court in support of him.
"The national officials expressed the wish that all structures respect this in the spirit of one ANC and the respect of law.”
Magashule informed the party at the meeting that he has been summoned to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate’s Court on Friday.
The charges relate to his alleged role in the Free State's R255-million asbestos audit contract.
"The issue of stepping down is a matter that the NEC is still faced with. I'm sure in the next NEC the matter would be discussed, so we didn't venture into that discussion," said Mashatile.
The organisation's deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte told journalists that Magashule was clear that he doesn't want people marching to court in support of him.
"The national officials expressed the wish that all structures respect this in the spirit of one ANC and the respect of law.”
The ANC in the Free State has previously said it would be at the court on Friday in solidarity with Magashule.
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Magashule is set to appear in the Bloemfontein Magistrate's Court in connection with a multi-million rand asbestos audit contract dating back to his time as provincial premier. The Hawks issued a warrant of arrest for Magashule on Tuesday. Free State ANC spokesperson Thabo Meeko says their members will be in court on Friday to show their support for the secretary-general.