Carl Niehaus Reportedly Facing Looming Suspension from ANC Position
- Reports indicate that Carl Niehaus is facing a possible suspension from his position within the ANC
- This comes in response to what has been described as a 'personal attack' on deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte
- A leaked letter reportedly sees ANC secretary-general Ace Magahsule distancing himself from Niehaus' comments
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ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule has reportedly distanced himself from comments made by Carl Niehaus.
Source: Getty Images
The Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association spokesperson is allegeldy facing a possible suspension from his post in Magashule's office with disciplinary action looming.
This comes after Niehaus allegedly launched a 'personal attack' on ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte.
The leaked letter reportedly had Magashule making it clear that he wanted no part in Niehaus' utterances:
“I have observed, with concern, that you are involved in activities that create the impression that you act on instructions from me. I wish to distance myself from your remarks regarding the NEC in which I am a member."
The secretary-general is also quoted as highlighting the need for radical economic transformation but as a unified ANC and that this cannot be allowed to be perceived as the 'domination' of any particular faction within the ruling party:
“Any attempt to create such an impression is wrong, creates disunity within the ANC, and as such must be repudiated. Accordingly, I distance myself from any and all activities which cause disunity in my name.”
TimesLIVE reports that Niehaus has declined to comment on the matter when questioned over the possible suspension.
The publication referred to a letter sent to Niehaus be ANC general manager Febe Potgieter-Gqubule:
“You have been advised, on more than one occasion, that your public statements and social media posts are unbecoming of someone working in this high office, which has the primary responsibility of driving and co-ordinating the work of all structures of the ANC."
Niehaus had previously issued a statement on his ongoing recovery from pneumonia prompted by Covid-19.
Potgieter-Gqubule refers to this statement condemning the 'personal attack' on Duarte:
“ANC staff members are expected to abide by the discipline of the organisation, and personal attacks by a member of staff on elected leadership — without even attempting to address the matter internally — is unprofessional, is not tolerated and is in violation of the manual.”
Earlier, Briefly.co.za reported that Niehaus had ensured that Magashule was supported during his earlier arrest and subsequent trial.
Magashule is facing a number of charges concerning tenders stemming from his time as Free State Premier.
At the time, Niehaus had made it clear that he isn't a 'fair-weather friend' of the secretary-general.
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Source: Briefly News
