How Nkandla has thrown ANC divisions into the spotlight – again

Recent political developments have exposed deep divisions sewn within the ruling party, forcing them into the spotlight once again.

Suspended ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule on Sunday said that there were people looking to destroy the party from within.

Magashule was addressing scores of former President Jacob Zuma outside his Nkandla homestead north of KZN on Sunday.

“People want to finish the African National Congress,” said Magashule to loud cheering crowds.

“They want to disband every branch, they want to disband and remove comrades,” Magashule said, referring to the party’s step-aside guidelines.

The rule requires all party members facing criminal cases to step down while they attend to their legal matters.

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“When they disband you as a branch, you must still be a branch. When they expel you, you must still be a member of the ANC. You must not go anywhere.”

“When they disband as a branch or a region you must still remain a branch and a region because you were elected…they must not intimidate you.”

Zuma made a brief appearance and thanked his supporters for showing solidarity.

He also took swipe at the Commission of Inquiry into Allegations of State Capture, led by Deputy Chief Justice Raymond Zondo, saying there was abuse of power in the formation of the commission.

He told crowds that his rights were taken away by the then-public protector Thuli Madonsela, when she said Zuma could appoint the commission, but not the judge.

“Despite my constitutional powers to choose a commission judge, I was not allowed to do so.”

Zuma is expected to address the media in a second briefing from Nkandla later on Sunday.