Magashule Defends RET, Set to Meet Ramaphosa over Step Aside Rule

Wednesday, April 07, 2021 at 3:48 PM by Reeshni Chetty

- ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule said he will be consulting with President Cyril Ramaphosa and former leaders of the ANC about RET soon

- Magashule also defended the Radical Economic Transformation rhetoric, saying that it's a party policy

- Magashule spoke about the 30-day step-aside rule and is planning to meet with Ramaphosa before the end of April

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African National Congress Secretary-General Ace Magashule has defended the Radical Economic Transformation (RET) faction. This follows President Cyril Ramaphosa's announcement that no members of the ANC should be associated with the RET.

Magashule is also planning to hold a meeting with Ramaphosa before the end of April. His plan is to discuss the 30-day step-aside rule set out to have members charged with serious crimes temporarily step down or face suspension.

After Magashule's meeting with Ramaphosa, he is planning to consult with former ANC leaders such as Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe and Jacob Zuma.

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Magashule defends RET, set to meet Ramaphosa over step-aside rule — Ace Magashule is planning to hold a meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa and he has also defended the RET. Image: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg
Source: Getty Images

A report published by News24 revealed that Magashule said the RET is a party policy that cannot be removed. The report continued by saying that the faction is seen to be loyal to Magashule and is run by Carl Niehaus. Niehaus is a staffer for Magashule's office.

Magashule was speaking on Tuesday at the 150th commemoration struggle stalwart Charlotte Maxeke.

SABC News reported that Magashule said he cannot do anything until he has consulted with former leaders, Ramaphosa and the National Executive Committee (NEC). Magashule now has just 21 days to temporarily step down from his position as SG.

The politician is facing criminal charges relating to an asbestos roofing contract while he was still Premier of the Free State.

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 are planning on launching a 'national shutdown' by taking to the streets of several major cities and disrupting business and occupying commuter routes.