The ANC IPC spokesperson, Oupa Khoabane, insist that as per the party guidelines and policies, the legally embattled Ace Magashule won’t be eligible for any post. This comes after the suspended SG - whilst attending his asbestos case at the Free State High Court in June 2021 - said if elected by branches to stand for any position he will stand as a candidate.

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But contrary to his views, Khoabane explains that it cannot happen, especially when a member is facing serious charges in court. 

Magashule was suspended by the party following his indictment by the Hawks in the failed R255 million asbestos project where taxpayers' money meant for the removal of asbestos roofing was allegedly looted.

Khoabane also explained that Magashule will not be able to stand for any position at its coming provincial conference in September because a National Executive Committee (NEC) member cannot stand for a post at a lower structure conference.

The party was recently dragged to court by disgruntled members. These members wanted the court to disband the interim structure whose term had lapsed. They accuse the party structure of failing to organise and hold a conference within the prescribed period as per the norm and tradition of the ruling party.

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Last month, the IPC labelled Magashule’s visit to the EFF's Freedom Charter commemoration as irresponsible. Khoabane said Magashule's attendance of an EFF political event is not in alliance with the ANC and 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.

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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 irresponsible conduct. We request all the members in the province not to follow that example as it tarnishes our image," Khoabane added.

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