By Kaya 959 News
President Cyril Ramaphosa has condemned attacks on ANC Deputy Secretary-General, Jessie Duarte.
He further says the attacks on Duarte and other ANC staff members at Luthuli House or carrying out decisions of the National Executive Committee were unwarranted.
Speaking on the outcomes of the party’s NEC special meeting, Ramaphosa says they have also noted the death threats made against ANC NEC coordinator Andries Nel.
He says the matter has been reported to the police.
“The NEC reaffirms its full confidence in the Deputy Secretary General and supports her in carrying out her duties as per the ANC Constitution,” Ramaphosa says.
Ace Magashule’s suspension
He says the NEC discussed the letter of suspension written by the party’s suspended SG, Ace Magashule.
Ramaphosa says Magashule had no authority or mandate from any structure of the movement.
The NEC agrees that such conduct was completely unacceptable and a flagrant violation of the rules, norms and values of the ANC.
The NEC furthermore instructed the officials to advise the Secretary-General to apologise publicly to ANC structures and members within a set timeframe.
“If he fails to do so, the ANC will institute disciplinary procedures in accordance with the ANC Constitution,” Ramaphosa says.
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Duarte takes on Magashule’s responsibilities
Duarte has said she would never act out of her own will but will consult with the ANC’s collective.
Duarte will now take on the responsibilities of suspended SG, Magashule.
She declined to comment on some of the insults and threats hurled at her in the wake of Magashule’s suspension.
She said only that the insults were of a racist and sexist nature.
“There have been phone calls from a particular number and we checked it out and it’s not Rica’d. I’m very worried about that because we’re supposed to Rica every number but this particular number is not Rica’d and that was the most difficult and unacceptable one.”
Magashule’s suspension not permanent
Duarte also made it clear that the ANC’s step-aside rule was not deliberately aimed at Magashule but rather applied to all those members facing charges.
She clarified that Magashule’s suspension was not permanent. Duarte says the ANC needs to speak in unity.
“None of us in this ANC acts on our own. We take mandate from the national working committee, the NEC of the ANC, so none of us are able to, in fact, act independently,” Duarte said.
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She says the ANC was concerned about factions intent on sowing division.
“We express concern about a concerted and well-resourced campaign to sow division and confusion in the ANC and in this regard, we’re referring very specifically to General Motau and RET Forces, which is clearly just a faction raising its head in the ANC throughout the country.”
Ramaphosa said they have taken note of those who have devised a well-resourced campaign to sow confusion and division in the ANC.
“It noted that this campaign is actively aided by a few individuals from within the NEC, through leaks, deviant public pronouncements, protests and misinformation on social media,” he said.
“The ANC NEC agreed to take urgent steps to investigate the leaks from the NEC and any organised campaign to subvert the movement and to take appropriate action,” Ramaphosa said.
