Speaking outside the Free State High Court following his appearance on Thursday (20/8), Ace Magashule expressed enthusiasm when given another opportunity to serve residents as mayor after the local government elections in November. 

Magashule served as Free State premier from 2009 to 2018 before becoming ANC secretary-general. In July, campaign flyers emerged suggesting he could contest for the mayoral position in the troubled Matjhabeng municipality, although his candidacy has not been formally confirmed.Once one of the ANC’s most influential figures, Magashule’s political career suffered a major setback after he was expelled from the party and his membership terminated following his refusal to step aside while facing corruption charges linked to the controversial R255 million asbestos roofing project. 

He said the corruption allegations had damaged his reputation and affected his political standing, but maintained the ongoing court case would ultimately vindicate him.

“You know the stigma of being corrupt when you know you are not corrupt; that stigma takes time to be removed. And nobody comes back and says sorry; we apologise. You see what’s happening at Madlanga, it’s gonna happen with police guys who arrested us in this case, once they get in there.”

He launched the ACT in August 2023, positioning the party as a vehicle for radical economic transformation. With the local government elections approaching, he indicated his political future would ultimately be determined by party members.

“This leadership will decide, you want me in Parys?” said Magashule asking ACT members. He said he was not interested in political positions for their own sake, but in using public office to improve service delivery.

“It’s not about position and status, it’s about serving. So I’m prepared to serve anywhere, whether it’s a small town or whatever. As long as we serve and show people how to govern, how to deliver services, quality services, give people hope. The people of the Free State, I don’t know what it is that they are still looking for.”

Magashule also used the opportunity to take another swipe at the ANC, arguing the party he once helped lead had lost touch with its traditional support base.

‘They want a better life for all’

“The ANC of Nelson Mandela and Tambo is no more the ANC of the people. So there’s this ACT organisation, young people here, unknown leaders; that’s what I like, unknown leaders who just want services for our people. 

“They want education, they want clean water, they want better roads, they want a better life for all.”

OFM News/Kekeletso Mosebetsi dg

• Have a news tip to share? Phone or whatsapp the OFM News Hotline: 066 487 1427.