Alvin too sick to attend hearing

THE UNDER-FIRE MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlement and Traditional Affairs, Alvin Botes, has missed a disciplinary hearing after he excused himself by way of a sick note.

Botes was summoned to attend a disciplinary hearing on Tuesday for defiance – for repeatedly refusing instructions to be redeployed to the National Assembly.

He was supposed to have joined ANC provincial chairperson Zamani Saul and Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL) Gladys Oliphant in Parliament at the beginning of October.

No resignation letter has been received by either the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature or the Premier’s Office.

Botes’ stubbornness has prevented the long-awaited provincial cabinet reshuffle from taking place as well as the swearing in of former Member of Parliament Patrick Mabilo as an MPL.

ANC provincial spokesperson Naledi Gaosekwe said that Botes was unavailable to attend the disciplinary hearing due to “ill health”.

“He submitted a sick note and the hearing will therefore resume next week on Wednesday,” said Gaosekwe.

“Unfortunately, we are not at liberty to divulge any information pertaining to the case. We will issue a comprehensive statement at the end of the disciplinary hearing next week.”

She added that according to the outcome of the Provincial General Council that was held two weeks ago, deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa was favoured to be elected as the incoming ANC president.

“The nominations were 154 votes for Ramaphosa and 11 for Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.”

Delegates will vote for the next ANC president at the 54th national elective conference in Gauteng next weekend, from December 16 to 20.