From the book launch disruption to Magashule's response - Five must-read stories on Gangster State

10 April 2019 - 12:30
By Cebelihle Bhengu
Ace Magashule denies the claims made in an explosive book and says he is considering suing.
Image: Gallo Images Ace Magashule denies the claims made in an explosive book and says he is considering suing.

ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule has been dominating news headlines since the release of the book, Gangster State: Unravelling Ace Magashule's Web of Capture.

The book links Magashule to state capture in the Free State where he served as premier.

Magashule has denied the claims and says he is considering legal action.

LISTEN | Pieter-Louis Myburgh comments on book launch disruption

Here are five must-read articles about the book:

Protest at the book launch

The book's launch, at Exclusive Books in Sandton City on Tuesday, was halted after people wearing ANC shirts and holding Magashule signs disrupted proceedings. They tore copies of the book and chanted loudly during a question-and-answer session.

Pieter-Louis Myburgh expands on the book

Myburgh spoke to Radio 702's Eusebius McKaiser about the book and the allegations levelled against Magashule. He said although Magashule may have played a role, he exaggerated his contribution to the fight against apartheid. Myburgh also spoke about his investigation of Magashule's claim that he was tried for treason while a student at the University of Fort Hare.

Tito Mboweni refused to comment on the book

Finance minister Tito Mboweni said that although he has read the book, he was not willing to discuss it. Prior to this, Mboweni had criticised the book's title, saying it forced him to agree with the author's conclusions before he had read the book.

ANC says Magashule is on his own

After fiercely defending Magashule against the allegations made in the book, the ANC on Saturday said he would have to deal with the matter on his own, instead of it being dealt with as an ANC issue. 

This, the party says, is because the alleged corruption happened at the time Magashule was the Free State premier, and not the ANC's secretary-general.

Magashule insists that he is a credible leader

Magashule denied all claims made in the book. He denied corruption in the Free State during his tenure as premier, and insisted that he is a credible leader of the ANC. Magashule refused to delve into the details of his next move, but said all would be heard in court, calling author Pieter-Louis Myburgh a "blatant liar".