Cyril and I are united – Ace
Magashule says no ousting plan
ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule has claimed that his relationship with President Cyril Ramaphosa is as solid as glue despite allegations that he is part of a clique that had been plotting to oust the president.
“Between me and president Cyril, we are working together [and] we are united. We are not focusing on rumours or perceptions, we are preoccupied with building this movement and addressing the challenges facing our communities,” Magashule said.
The secretary-general was addressing the media yesterday following the party’s first national executive committee meeting after a report that he was part of a group that had met at a Durban hotel to plot the removal of Ramaphosa.
The group, which also included former president Jacob Zuma, former North West premier Supra Mahumapelo, ANC Women’s League secretary Matuba Meokgo and ANC Youth League presidential hopeful Thanduxolo Sabelo, was spotted at the hotel.
They have all since denied the alleged plot, with Sabelo saying he was just “passing by” when he coincidentally met Magashule at the hotel.
“Unity, unity, unity and renewal. Me and comrade Cyril Ramaphosa will not allow any wedge drivers to come between us, Magashule said.
“We will stay focused and we are going to work together and we will continue working together in the interest of the people of SA and membership of the ANC.”
During trade union federation Cosatu’s national conference two weeks ago, Ramaphosa indirectly took a swipe at Magashule over rumours of his involvement in meetings to plot for his removal, saying such actions were counter-revolutionary.
“We agree with the president. This is the time to plot against poverty and ... unemployment, and this is the time to plot … against divisions,” Magashule said.
“Let’s not talk about rumours and perceptions, let’s talk facts.”
Magashule, however, failed to respond to questions on how he, as an implicated official, would work with the rest of the ANC top brass to find a solution to the alleged plot.