Ace Magashule Biography: Politics, Education, Tribe, Net Worth, Age

Elias Sekgobelo “Ace” Magashule is one of South Africa’s most prominent — and polarizing — political figures of the post-apartheid era.

Rising from a small township in the Free State to become Premier and later Secretary-General of the African National Congress (ANC), Magashule’s career blends grassroots activism, provincial power-brokering, and high-profile legal and political battles that reshaped his public image. (Sources: ANC profile; Wikipedia.)

Early life and education

Ace Magashule was born on 3 November 1959 in Tumahole, a township near Parys in the Free State. He was active in school drama and sport — nicknamed “Ace” on the soccer field — and became involved with student and youth political structures early on, including the Congress of South African Students and the Tumahole Youth Congress. He later studied at the University of Fort Hare where he completed a Bachelor of Arts, after which he worked as a teacher for several years before moving into full-time politics.

Anti-apartheid activism and entry into politics

During the 1980s Magashule played an active role in the United Democratic Front (UDF) and other community campaigns in the northern Free State. His early activism established local networks that would support his political rise after 1994, when the ANC became the governing party. Magashule’s background as a community organizer and educator helped him build credibility in the Free State’s ANC structures.

Rise through the ANC ranks

After South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994, Magashule won an ANC seat in the Free State Provincial Legislature and held various provincial government positions. He was elected Provincial Chairperson of the ANC in the Free State and would dominate provincial politics for decades, positioning himself as a powerful regional kingmaker. In 2009 he became Premier of the Free State, a post he held until 2018. His role in provincial politics made him one of the ANC’s most influential provincial leaders.

Premiership of the Free State (2009–2018)

As Premier, Magashule oversaw provincial administration and service delivery programs. Supporters credit his leadership for local infrastructure and development projects; critics accused his administration of patronage and questioned procurement processes. The premiership period is central to later corruption allegations that have dominated his public profile.

Secretary-General of the ANC (2017–2021)

In December 2017, Magashule was elected Secretary-General of the ANC, a top national post that made him a key figure in internal party power struggles — especially between factions aligned with former President Jacob Zuma and those supporting Cyril Ramaphosa. His election to the national post signaled his ascent from provincial strongman to a major national actor.

Corruption charges, suspension, and legal battles

In November 2020 the Hawks and the National Prosecuting Authority announced formal charges against Magashule related to an alleged R255 million asbestos-removal contract awarded by the Free State Department of Human Settlements while he was Premier. The charges included corruption, fraud, and money laundering. He was arrested, granted bail, and repeatedly challenged elements of the prosecutions and ANC disciplinary measures. In May 2021 the ANC’s step-aside/suspension processes removed him from day-to-day party duties; courts later upheld aspects of the party’s action. Magashule and supporters have consistently denied wrongdoing and called the charges politically motivated.

Expulsion from the ANC and the formation of a new party

Following disciplinary proceedings and prolonged disputes with ANC leadership, Magashule was expelled from the ANC in mid-2023 after the party’s National Disciplinary Committee confirmed he had brought the party into disrepute. Shortly thereafter, Magashule launched a new political vehicle — the African Congress for Transformation (ACT) — seeking to continue his political project outside the ANC. His post-ANC move reflects broader fragmentation in South African politics and the continuing realignment of former ANC figures.

Political style and influence

Magashule is known for a combative, often populist political style. He cultivated deep networks in the Free State and among supporters of “radical economic transformation,” a policy rhetoric used by some ANC factions to push for aggressive economic redistribution and black empowerment. To supporters, he appears as a champion of working-class communities; to critics, as an example of factional politics and patronage.

Controversies and public perception

Beyond the asbestos contract case, Magashule’s career has been marked by controversies including alleged improper procurement, legal disputes, and fierce factional battles within the ANC. High-profile books and investigations have frequently featured Magashule as a central actor in provincial and national controversies. Public perception remains split: many in his base praise his delivery and loyalty, while opponents cite rule-of-law concerns and governance failures.

Legacy and what comes next

Magashule’s legacy is complex. He rose from township activism to become one of the most consequential provincial power brokers and a national-level leader. His continuing legal battles and new political project mean his impact on South African politics is still unfolding — whether he will reconfigure power from outside the ANC or fade depends on legal outcomes and shifting voter sentiments.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When and where was Ace Magashule born?

Ace Magashule was born Elias Sekgobelo Magashule on 3 November 1959 in Tumahole, Parys, Free State, South Africa.

What positions has Magashule held?

He served as Premier of the Free State (2009–2018), Provincial ANC Chairperson in the Free State, and Secretary-General of the ANC (2017–2021) before his suspension and later expulsion.

What charges has he faced?

Magashule has faced charges including corruption, fraud, and money-laundering related to an asbestos-removal contract awarded during his time as Premier. Proceedings have involved arrests, bail, and several court applications.

Is Ace Magashule still in the ANC?

No — he was expelled from the ANC in June 2023 after disciplinary rulings. He has since launched a new political party.

What is the African Congress for Transformation?

It’s the new political vehicle founded by Magashule after his ANC expulsion. It aims to pursue his political platform outside the ANC; its influence and electoral prospects remain to be fully tested.

Conclusion

Ace Magashule’s life maps the tensions of modern South African politics: anti-apartheid activist turned provincial powerhouse; a leader with a loyal grassroots base but also accused of corruption and factionalism. His trajectory — from Tumahole to the halls of national ANC power, and then into legal challenges and a breakaway political experiment — encapsulates questions about governance, accountability, and the future shape of political representation in South Africa. Whether his new party and legal outcomes will redefine his political legacy is one of the key storylines to follow in the country’s evolving political landscape.