Writing on the wall for embattled EC premier

Expert believes province ready to see Masualle go

EASTERN Cape premier Phumulo Masualle’s imminent recall from the province’s top job will likely be welcomed by many.

This is according to political analyst Professor Somadoda Fikeni, who believes his early departure from the premiership is a matter of when, not if.

Fikeni believes the people of the province long for change, and that Masualle’s fence-sitting style of leadership exacerbated a negative atmosphere between him and the ANC provincial executive committee (PEC) which reportedly wants him out. He believes the axe over Masualle’s head would have fallen long ago had the ANC national executive committee (NEC) not had its hands full with urgent national matters, like recalling Jacob Zuma, to deal with.

The analyst believes the NEC’s silence on Masualle’s future was a strategic approach to avoid its own overload but with Zuma’s recall now out of the way, that of his provincial counterpart is now imminent.

“One thing is for sure – we all can see that change is coming in the Eastern Cape,” said Fikeni.

The Oscar Mabuyane-led PEC submission to the NEC for Masualle’s departure would be strengthened by its support of Cyril Ramaphosa’s presidential bid.

The SACP, of which Masualle is a central committee member, had taken a hard line against Zuma but Masualle was silent on the topic.

“Remember, the Eastern Cape was the largest province that was firmly behind the CR17 campaign while other big provinces, like Mpumalanga and KZN, were divided. Therefore the PEC may want to use that as leverage to demand things.”

Those wanting to see him go, said Fikeni, could rightfully argue about his cautious approach and failure to take decisive action when necessary.

“During his tenure there was outcry about officials not performing but nothing happened to them, which is that cautious approach of not wanting to offend anyone.”

Fikeni cited the dismal matric pass rate, still the lowest in the country, and the Eastern Cape remaining the poorest province as areas of stagnation.

“Since the change of leadership after the ANC provincial conference last year, you could suddenly hear in specific language what the province wanted on several issues, including at national level, which is the Eastern Cape that people know,” he said.

ANC provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi could not be reached for comment yesterday. However, the Dispatch previously reported on a special PEC meeting meant to be held last week to decide Masualle’s fate that was shelved indefinitely. This could be because the matter had not yet been discussed by the ANC’s highest decision-making body, the NEC. —