DA calls ANC the real April Fools by not taking action against their ‘real boss’
The DA took a stab at an April fool's joke by mocking the ruling party for not suspending Ace Magashule.
Minister of Energy, Jeffrey Thamsanqa ‘Jeff’ Radebe, left, and ANC secretary general Ace Magashule at Luthuli House in Johannesburg, on 26 March 2018, after briefing media on 54 th National Conference Report and Resolutions. Picture: Nigel Sibanda
The DA tried to get in on the April fool’s act on Monday by claiming they were aware of news that the ANC was suspending secretary-general Ace Magashule.
Of course, it was their approach to an April fool’s joke.
Magashule has dominated the news following a book released this Sunday alleging, among many other things, that he exaggerated his struggle credentials, helped the Gupta family to loot the state and dealt ruthlessly with his detractors in the ANC and government.
In Gangster State: Unravelling Ace Magashule’s Web of Capture, investigative journalist Pieter-Louis Myburgh spent a year researching allegations that placed Magashule at the centre of state capture and looting in particularly the Free State when he was premier in Jacob Zuma’s government.
The ANC has attacked Myburgh for the book, which accuses Magashule of rampant corruption and ruthless gangsterism.
In what many have criticised as what looks like a panicked statement, the ANC called the book the product of “Stratcom” and an attempt to influence the elections. However, they failed to repudiate any of the claims made in the book.
Hysterical statement by the ANC in response to @PLMyburgh’s “Gangster State”…ignores substance and fires buckshot in every direction…but @Magashule_Ace still has not answered the 60 questions sent to him. Also, his office clears all party statements. @TeamNews24 pic.twitter.com/VBhOPmyPYa
— Pieter Du Toit (@PieterDuToit) March 31, 2019
In a blatant April fool’s attempt, the DA issued a statement announcing the suspension of Magashule, only to later state, rather bluntly: “At least, they would have if they were an organisation that took allegations of corruption, looting and state capture seriously…”
They went on to say Ramaphosa would never take action against the “real boss” of the ANC, supposedly Magashule.
“The carpets at Luthuli House must resemble rolling sand dunes with everything that gets swept under them.
“Today, the ANC are the real April Fools, as they refuse to take action against Magashule in the face of such brazen criminality.
“On 8 May 2019, voters have the opportunity to choose a government that takes action and holds politicians accountable.
“The ANC will never be that government.”
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