ANC Factional Split Becomes Clearer over Public Protector Mkhwebane

ANC FACTIONAL DIVISIONS ON THE RISE

• Factionalism in the ANC is on the rise as Sec-Gen Magashule tells MPs to vote against the DA's motion to remove Public Protector Mkhwebane, supported by the ANC women's league, EFF & MKVA. Also claimed the PP is a personal friend.
• This is especially curious and indicative of her political alignment against Ramaphosa, given that she turned on Magahsule in the Vrede dairy project findings when evidence against her was mounting in late Dec-2020. This evidence has also been supported by recent prima facie evidence of incompetence by an independent panel, recommending her removal.
• Local analysts say this move from Magahsule reduced the likelihood of her removal dramatically, and that the decision will ultimately come down to an NEC decision. National assembly is due to debate the topic shortly to see if it will progress to the committee stage.
• PP Mkhwebane has been used as a political tool by the Magashule/Zuma faction to discredit top members of the Ramaphosa faction, and even try to bring Ramaphosa's reputation down through corruption claims. However, after numerous failed cases on spurious evidence and three counts of perjury, the PP is now facing removal.
• Some party & cabinet members have rebuked Magahsule's remarks, telling him to stay in his lane but the gauntlet has been laid down and we may see factional splits become clearer as Magashule's 'step aside' date come closer (next two weeks).
• Failure to remove the PP would likely be a substantial loss to the Ramaphosa faction. Developments will be watched closely in the next few weeks.