Lungani Zungu
Duduzane Zuma’s ambitious and fanciful campaign to be the next president of the ANC has begun to impact Ace Magashule’s political career.
Political funders are reportedly choosing to finance Duduzane’s campaign instead of helping the suspended ANC secretary-general with his mounting legal bills.
Magashule, who is expected to go to the Supreme Court of Appeal, is still reeling from last week’s legal blow, which ruled his suspension from the ANC was constitutional and valid.
He is now going around with a begging bowl for his allies to support him in his ongoing legal battles.
“These cases are milking him dry. And he is struggling now to keep up with the bills of senior counsellors and their juniors,” said one of his loyal backers in the Free State, who did not want to be named.
Apart from his suspension case, Magashule is also fighting to clear his name in the R255 million asbestos tender, which was issued during his time as Free State premier.
Magashule still receives his monthly R133,000 ANC salary, despite being suspended.
“His salary is not enough to help him stay out of jail. He is in a difficult position. Many funders are looking at Duduzane Zuma’s side as he campaigns hard,” said the backer.
As part of his campaign ahead of the ANC elective conference next year, Duduzane launched a smart class in Gobhela Primary School in Hibberdene, in south KZN.
Magashule is now expected to follow the same path of his idol, former president Jacob Zuma, and run for president of the ANC.
He just needs to pay his legal bills first.
Last week, Judges Jody Kollapen, Sharise Weiner and Edwin Molahleli dismissed Magashule’s application to have the suspension set aside with cost.
Magashule was suspended in May in line with the party’s step aside policy for members facing corruption charges.
When contacted, Magashule laughed and hung up, while Duduzane’s phone went straight to voicemail.
