Paul Mashatile Denies Claims of National Shutdown: "Rumour Mongering"

Tuesday, April 06, 2021 at 5:04 PM by Reeshni Chetty

- ANC Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile stated that the claims of a nationwide shutdown are "rumour-mongering"

- The protest is allegedly supposed to be against the 30-day step-aside rule implemented for ANC members with serious criminal cases pending against them

- Mashatile was speaking in Tshwane when he made the claims that the nationwide shutdown is not true

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ANC Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile recently stated that the reported national shutdown by ANC members is "rumour-mongering". The protest was allegedly supposed to be against the 30-day step-aside rule.

Mashatile noted that members of the ruling party will follow the guidelines of the ANC's Constitution as they are "disciplined". The 30-day step-aside rule is in place to have members facing serious cases such as corruption step down or be suspended.

It was previously reported by various media houses that there would be a nationwide shutdown as supporters of both ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule and former president Jacob Zuma planned to protest against the step-aside rule.

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Nation Shutdown: Paul Mashatile denies claims, "rumour-mongering" — Paul Mashatile says the national shutdown in protest of the step-aside rule is "rumour-mongering". Image: GULSHAN KHAN/AFP and GIANLUIGI GUERCIA/AFP
Source: Getty Images

eNCA reported that Mashatile spoke about those participating or planning a shutdown being "ill-disciplined". The report continued by saying that many members of the ANC believe that the step-aside rule was implemented to target Magashule.

Magashule is facing charges of money laundering and fraud. Mashatile stated that the current processes that are taking place are unfolding in a way that they think is "fair".

A report by News24 stated that Mashatile had been speaking in Tshwane on Tuesday.

Previously, Briefly.co.za reported that Magashule is fighting for his rights and position. According to News24, Ace, along with former president Jacob Zuma's supporters, is planning on launching a 'national shutdown' by taking to the streets of several major cities and disrupting business and occupying commuter routes.

Zuma's RET faction members are rallying in support of Magashule, a staunch Zuma supporter, and are getting ready to fight for the ANC Secretary-General's political life.