13 November 2020 Ace Magshule apprearing at the Magistrates court in Bloemfontein. Picture: Thapelo Morebudi/The Sunday Times

ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule has distanced himself from statements made by one of his most loyal supporters, Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) spokesperson Carl Niehaus.

Niehaus was on Tuesday informed that there was an intention to place him on suspension from his position in the ANC office of the secretary-general and that he could possibly face disciplinary action for launching a personal attack on the party’s deputy secretary-general, Jessie Duarte.

“I have observed, with concern, that you are involved in activities that create the impression that you act on instructions from me. I wish to distance myself from your remarks regarding the NEC in which I am a member,” said Magashule.

He added that the need for the radical transformation of the economy was an important resolution of the ANC.

“These resolutions bind and commit all members and structures of the ANC. They are not, and cannot be allowed to be perceived as, the domination of ‘RET forces’ or any other grouping or faction.

“Any attempt to create such an impression is wrong, creates disunity within the ANC, and as such must be repudiated. Accordingly, I distance myself from any and all activities which cause disunity in my name.”

Meanwhile, Niehaus would not be drawn for comment on the matter.

“Lol. I do not comment to leaked letters,” he said on Tuesday morning when asked to comment on the letter informing him that he could be suspended for violating the party’s policy.

When pressed further on the knowledge of the letter he said, “Hey stop it. I am not commenting.”

In the letter expressing the intention to suspend him, dated January 19, ANC general manager Febe Potgieter-Gqubule tells Niehaus: “You have been advised, on more than one occasion, that your public statements and social media posts are unbecoming of someone working in this high office, which has the primary responsibility of driving and co-ordinating the work of all structures of the ANC.

“You also received a written warning to this effect on October 12 2019.

“The latest statement, titled ‘Personal Statement by Carl Niehaus about his ongoing Recovery from Covid-19 Pneumonia’ dated Thursday January 14 2021 (attached), crosses all boundaries expected from an ANC employee, and particularly someone of your seniority.

“In particular, the personal attack on the ANC deputy secretary-general in this statement is a serious violation of the ANC Personnel Policy Manual.

“ANC staff members are expected to abide by the discipline of the organisation, and personal attacks by a member of staff on elected leadership — without even attempting to address the matter internally — is unprofessional, is not tolerated and is in violation of the manual.”

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