Suspended ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule is confident that a higher court will deal with his appeal contesting his suspension without “fear or favour”.
In a statement responding to the Friday court ruling that confirmed his suspension as legit, Magashule said Judge Jody Kollapen’s findings were “legally wrong”.
Magashule, who says he hasn’t given up challenging his suspension as ANC secretary-general, is still getting his full salary.
Last year Magashule revealed to the Bloemfontein High Court, while applying for bail, that he earns R133 000 a month as secretary-general.
Magashule faces serious charges of fraud, corruption, and money laundering.
He is out R200 000 bail.
Arguing for the ANC two weeks ago, Advocate Wim Trengove, said: “No organisation can have someone indicted on a serious charge be its public face”.
However, Advocate Dali Mpofu for Magashule said the suspension was contrary to the laws of natural justice and the presumption of innocence.
Advocate Mpofu also pointed out ANC rules that he said were in conflict with the country’s constitution, which made Magashule’s suspension unfair.
Listening to the arguments on that day were three judges – Kollapen, Edwin Molahleli, and Sharise Weiner.
On Friday, Judge Kollapen rejected all the reasons advanced by Magashule through his lawyer.
He said Magashule’s request for the court to overturn his suspension was dismissed with costs.
Judge Kollapen also outrightly refused to give any weight to Magashule’s letter purporting to suspend ANC leader President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Reacting to the judgment, Magahsule likened his loss to the days of apartheid when activists were convicted by Judges that were in cahoots with the system.
He said he was going to appeal.
“I have therefore instructed my legal team to take immediate steps towards appealing this incorrect judgment,” said Magashule.
