Magashule ‘suspends’ Ramaphosa - ANC hits back in night of drama

A letter from the office of the Secretary-General made the rounds, announcing the suspension of the party’s president - Cyril Ramaphosa - hours after the party had temporarily suspended Ace Magashule. 

The veracity of the letter was put in question.

The defiant Magashule further claimed his deputy, Jesse Duarte, had no powers to serve him with the letter. 

He vowed to appeal his “fatally flawed” suspension.

“Furthermore these letters are based on a selective and factional interpretation of the relevant Resolution,” Magashule’s letter read.

“I herewith announce that I am immediately, and formally, appealing this unconstitutional suspension. In terms of the ANC Constitution, my suspension is thus wholly suspended, until my appeal has been heard, and it's final outcome announced. 

“I have also, in accordance with the powers vested in me as the Secretary General of the ANC, and furthermore in full compliance with the relevant conference Resolutions summarily suspended the President of the ANC, comrade Cyril Ramaphosa.”

Soon after, the governing party hit back - noting they were aware of Magashule’s  letter but gave no clue of its contents.

“The African National Congress notes the letter written by the Secretary General Comrade Ace Magashule to the President of the ANC Comrade Cyril Ramaphosa,” said ANC spokesperson Ace Magashule. 

“The decisions of the National Executive Committee and National Working Committee stand.”

The NEC is expected to meet over the weekend. 

“The ANC request that the Secretary General respect the decisions of the NEC and subject himself to the discipline of the organization.”