IPC spokesperson, Oupa Khoabane, says Ace Magashule's attendance  of an EFF political event is not in alliance with the ANC. Magashule, who is suspended from ANC activities due to corruption in the Free State, was seen in pictures on the EFF's Twitter page with the leadership of the EFF at the Walter Sisulu Square whilst observing the Freedom Charter Day. 

Khoabane adds the fact that he is suspended does not disqualify him from upholding the organisational discipline and other principles that must be observed by all the members. Magashule is an accused in the failed R255 million asbestos project in the province where money was allegedly looted and stolen from the public purse.

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"Such conduct can only be accepted if it is sanctioned by the organisation in pursuit of its political interests. The [position of] Secretary-General is one of the highest positions in the organisation, whose integrity has to be protected at all costs and as a provincial structure, we deplore in the strongest terms such an irresponsible conduct. We request all the members in the province not to follow that example as it tarnishes our image," Khoabane adds.

The IPC has, however, been characterised as a factional structure installed to purge and go after those in support of Magashule.

ANC Chief Whip in the Free State Legislature, Vusi Tshabalala, who was previously suspended by the IPC, once told OFM News that he was not surprised by his suspension from the party after being accused of supporting independent candidates for the November 2021 local government elections. He  said his suspension was always on the cards because he supported the suspended ANC Secretary-General (SG), Ace Magashule.

ALSO READ: 'My suspension a witch-hunt' - former ANC Chief Whip

Another staunch supporter of Magashule, ousted former MEC for Police, Roads and Transport , Sam Mashinini, was fired from his position.

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However, Khoabane says it is important to note that in the diagnostic report that the IPC produced at the inception of this structure, the IPC listed the negative tendencies that devoured the unity and destroyed the traditions and culture of the organisation.

Khoabane says Magashule's conduct comes as a new negative tendency and must not be emulated by any member.  

OFM News