The long and troubled political journey of former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule has reached another critical moment, as his long-awaited asbestos corruption trial moves closer to the courtroom.
Once one of the most powerful figures in the ruling party, Magashule now stands accused of being at the centre of a corruption scheme worth hundreds of millions of rand, linked to a project that was meant to remove deadly asbestos roofing from homes in the Free State. Instead, investigators say, the money disappeared while vulnerable communities were left living under the same dangerous conditions.
The case, which has dragged on for years through delays, legal challenges and political drama, is widely seen as a defining test for both Magashule and the country’s criminal justice system.
What the asbestos case is about
At the heart of the matter is a R255 million tender awarded during Magashule’s time as Free State premier. The contract was meant to fund the removal and replacement of asbestos roofs from low-cost housing across the province.
Asbestos is a known health hazard, linked to serious illnesses including lung disease and cancer. For many residents, the project was meant to bring safety and dignity. But according to investigators, little to no work was actually done.
Despite this, millions of rand were allegedly paid out to contractors.
Magashule, along with several co-accused including businessman Edwin Sodi, faces charges of fraud, corruption and money laundering. The State alleges that the tender was irregularly awarded and that kickbacks were paid, while the intended beneficiaries saw no real improvement in their living conditions.
Years of delays and legal battles
The asbestos case has been marked by repeated postponements, technical legal arguments and changes in legal teams. These delays have frustrated many South Africans, especially those who see the case as symbolic of how long it can take for powerful figures to face trial.
For Magashule, the slow pace has also allowed him to remain politically active, even as his influence within the ANC has declined. He was suspended from the party following his arrest, later attempted to challenge the suspension, and has since positioned himself as a political outsider fighting what he claims is unfair treatment.
However, with a trial date now confirmed, the room for further delay appears to be narrowing.
A major test for Magashule’s future
The asbestos trial is widely viewed as a make-or-break moment for Magashule’s political ambitions. Once seen as a potential presidential contender, he has since fallen out with the ANC leadership and launched his own political movement.
A conviction would almost certainly end any remaining hopes of a political comeback. Even without a conviction, the ongoing trial continues to cast a long shadow over his public image.
For many voters, Magashule’s name has become closely associated with allegations of corruption, State Capture and abuse of power. The asbestos case, in particular, has struck a nerve because it involves funds meant for poor communities.
Public anger and broader implications
Beyond Magashule himself, the case has broader significance. It is one of the most prominent corruption matters to emerge from the State Capture era and is closely watched by civil society groups, legal experts and ordinary citizens.
The fact that money meant to remove a deadly substance from people’s homes may have been looted has fuelled public anger and deepened distrust in government institutions.
The trial is also a key test for the National Prosecuting Authority, which has been under pressure to show it can successfully prosecute complex corruption cases involving senior political figures.
What happens next
As the case finally edges toward trial, all eyes will be on the courtroom. Evidence is expected to detail how the tender was awarded, how funds flowed, and who benefited.
For Ace Magashule, the stakes could not be higher. Once a kingmaker within the ANC, he now faces the possibility that the asbestos case will define his legacy not as a political heavyweight, but as a symbol of the corruption many South Africans want to see held to account.
Whether the trial delivers justice, closure, or yet another delay remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the asbestos saga is no longer just a legal case — it is a final reckoning for one of South Africa’s most controversial political figures.
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