President Cyril Ramaphosa has, for the first time, denounced the disruption of a book launch in Sandton earlier in week – stating that the incident does not define what the ANC stands for.

Speaking during the launch of the ANC’s political school named after Struggle stalwart Oliver Reginald Tambo in Midrand last night, Ramaphosa said the incident did not represent the values of the party.

A group of protesters, some wearing ANC T-shirts, stormed the Exclusive Books store  on Tuesday night and disrupted the launch of Pieter-Louis Myburgh’s book Gangster State: Unravelling Ace Magashule’s Web of Capture.

The  book claims to expose corruption in the Free State under Ace  Magashule’s time as premier.

The ANC later issued a statement condemning the incident.   “As the African National Congress, we must say that we are disappointed with the conduct of those people who claim to be members of the ANC and we want to fully condemn and distance ourselves from their actions because they do not represent the society envisaged by the ANC,” said acting ANC spokesperson  Dakota Legoete in a statement.

Ramaphosa said yesterday what they witnessed during the launch was not what the “ANC stands for and let me say it doesn’t define what the ANC will ever stand for”.

On the political school, which is not physical, the president  said the institution  was aimed at producing cadres who wouldn’t  need to be compelled to do the right things. “The school is also aimed at the cadres  who put the movement and the country above their own personal interests… The cadres who fully understand  the fundamental values and principles of our movement,”  said Ramaphosa to a round of applause.

The launch was attended by, among others, former president Jacob Zuma, deputy president David Mabuza and ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe.