Ace left on his ace

ANC secretary-general Magashule is out in the cold after the party served him with a letter of suspension, which gags him from uttering a single word about his suspension and warns him not to represent the party in public or any forum, pending the conclusion of his criminal court case.

He has been suspended temporarily, retrospectively with effect from Monday, 3 May, which proved the decision to sideline him had already been taken at the national working committee (NWC) meeting on Monday.

Magashule refused to step aside in line with the decision of the party’s executive committee that all those who faced corruption and other serious crime charges must step aside after 30 days.

He told the ANC top six officials on Sunday night that he would not voluntarily step aside, which prompted the suspension by the NWC.

All members, including those submitted by provincial structures, were expected to voluntarily step aside or be suspended in terms of the ANC constitution.

Erstwhile ally and deputy Jessie Duarte turned her back on

Magashule, insisting he should obey the party instruction.

In a letter Duarte wrote on behalf of the NWC yesterday, she told Magashule that during the period of his suspension, he was not allowed to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the secretary-general’s office (SGO), may not represent the organisation in public or any other forum, not make public pronouncements on matters related to the organisation and “not engage in the mobilisation of ANC structures, any other organisations or individuals, including on your step aside and matters related thereto”.

It said: “During the period that you ... are temporarily suspended, you will be entitled to remuneration and other benefits in line with your conditions of employment.”

Magashule was also required to update the SGO on a monthly basis regarding the progress of his court case.

“The decision to suspend you temporarily will be reviewed by the NEC every six months or from time to time at your request,” the letter said.

The Free State, Magashule’s home province, declined to discuss the matter nor state if it had submitted a list of those who must step down to Luthuli House, the ANC’s head office.