Secretary-General of the African National Congress Ace Magashule has filed a lawsuit against President Cyril Ramaphosa after he was suspended in a deep power struggle.
ANC, arguably Africa’s political party has been enmeshed in power tussles that has caused cracks in its leadership and a loss of confidence from its followers.
In a recent local election, the ANC saw its lowest support yet as it battles allegations of graft ahead of its other upcoming elections.
Magushule who was asked to step aside has described the President’s actions as “unconstitutional, unlawful and invalid”.
Ramaphosa, who doubles as President of the ANC was named as first respondent in the litigation by Magushule.
In March, the ANC came to agreement on using a “step down” punishment for people linked with allegations of corruption.
Magushule and Ramaphosa haven’t been on good terms and there have been more holes in the leadership of the party as the Secretary General was accused of wrongdoing when he was awarded a contract as a Premier of Free State.
The accused has since denied all the allegations and has refused to leave office as the war between the President and the powerful party official rages on.
Their battle came to a head when Magushule attempted to depose Ramaphosa as the party’s leader but failed as a significant number of party chieftains stuck to the South African President.
Magushule has also refused to apologise for committing the allegations against him and asked the court to rule that his suspension of Ramaphosa was “valid and effective until lawfully nullified”.