ANC suspends secretary-general Ace Magashule under the step-aside rule

The ANC’s deputy secretary-general delivered a suspension letter to Ace Magashule after he did not step aside within the period set for members charged with serious crimes. The letter followed decisions of the NEC and National Working Committee to implement the rule. Magashule disputed the process and issued a purported suspension letter to Ramaphosa, creating an open conflict over authority within the party. Subsequent ANC NEC action confirmed Magashule’s suspension.