Suspending Carl Niehaus a warning to Ace Magashule ‒ analysts
The pending suspension of Carl Niehaus, Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association spokesperson and one of Ace Magashule’s chief defenders, is a warning that the CR17 faction is slowly circling the embattled ruling party’s secretary-general, who is seen as a senior leader of the RET (radical economic transformation) faction.
This is the view of two political analysts, Ralph Mathekga and Thabani Khumalo. The two agree Niehaus is not only a foot soldier of Magashule but also his confidant to some extent. Late last year, during a war of words with Niehaus, Transport Minister and ANC national executive committee (NEC) member Fikile Mbalula publicly questioned the role of Niehaus at Luthuli House, where he works in the office of Magashule.
Mbalula alleged Niehaus was “personally employed” by Magashule, had free rein because he enjoyed his (Magashule) protection and that “there is a man employed at Luthuli House; his job is to march every time there is a problem”.
This is believed to be the general view of the other faction opposed to Magashule’s presence at Luthuli House.
Making the observation on Tuesday after the ANC notified Niehaus that it intended to suspend him for lampooning deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte in a personal statement he issued last week, Mathekga said the move weakened Magashule tremendously.
Niehaus has until tomorrow to show cause to the ANC’s general manager, Febe Potgieter-Gqubule, why he should not be suspended with full pay pending a disciplinary hearing.
Late last year, during a war of words with Niehaus, Transport Minister and ANC national executive committee (NEC) member Fikile Mbalula publicly questioned the role of Niehaus at Luthuli House, where he works in the office of Magashule.
Mbalula alleged Niehaus was “personally employed” by Magashule, had free rein because he enjoyed his (Magashule) protection and that “there is a man employed at Luthuli House; his job is to march every time there is a problem”.
This is believed to be the general view of the other faction opposed to Magashule’s presence at Luthuli House.
Making the observation on Tuesday after the ANC notified Niehaus that it intended to suspend him for lampooning deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte in a personal statement he issued last week, Mathekga said the move weakened Magashule tremendously.
Niehaus has until tomorrow to show cause to the ANC’s general manager, Febe Potgieter-Gqubule, why he should not be suspended with full pay pending a disciplinary hearing.
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Source: IOL
