Plot against Cyril fabricated – ANC

There is no investigation under way into allegations of a plot to oust President Cyril Ramaphosa, the ANC said yesterday.

Party spokesperson Pule Mabe was responding to reports that the ANC top brass were going to probe the plot allegation.

The plot was reportedly spearheaded by secretary-general Ace Magashule.

“’There is no investigation ... we did not talk about an investigation,” said Mabe.

“We said officials must put this matter to bed. This [plot] was created and officials had to respond and to affirm the need for unity and renewal.”

The ANC top brass have reportedly planned to haul Magashule over the coals after the alleged plot surfaced in the media.

Magashule, a Zuma loyalist, was accused of holding secret meetings with supporters of the former president to plan to oust Ramaphosa.

Zuma reportedly attended these meetings in Durban at which Magashule was present.

Regarding reports that Finance Minister Nhlanhla Nene had asked Ramaphosa to relieve him of his duties after his public apology for his relationship with the controversial Gupta family, Mabe said the lekgotla over the weekend was about the renewal and unity of the ANC and “nothing else”.

He added: “We will inform you should we receive any information regarding that matter. The ANC is not going to be distracted or moved sideways ... the focus is the unity of the ANC. The officials met this weekend and the focus plan is to make sure that our structures are committed to the unity project.”– ANA