Sylvia is ‘arrogant and undermining’ – Cosatu
THE ANC has expressed its confidence in the Premier Sylvia Lucas, who has once again come under fresh attack, amid speculation that she could be removed because of her loyalty to former President Jacob Zuma.
Cosatu Provincial Secretary Anele Gxoyiya yesterday insisted that the Premier should have vacated office immediately after the ANC Provincial elective conference in May 2017.
He believed that the Premier was “arrogant and undermining” the ANC.
“MECs and HOD’s are being appointed to deliver according to her wishes. The legacy of former President Jacob Zuma of behaving as if he is bigger than the ANC remains in the Northern Cape provincial government. The Premier misconstrues the patience of the ANC with her as a sign of weakness.”
Gxoyiya stated that she had failed to implement the decisions adopted during the Provincial elective conference.
“Cosatu is not impressed by the reshuffling that fell short of addressing the resolution that called for the deployment of the top four ANC officials – the provincial secretary, deputy secretary, treasurer and secretary, to provincial government.
“The reshuffling that took place after months of resistance is an example of an individual who is hellbent on undermining the ANC – an organisation that made her a Premier.”
He pointed out that while it would be “very good” to have ANC Provincial chairperson Zamani Saul as Premier, Cosatu was not advocating that he be given this position.
“The Province is used to having a Premier who is not the ANC Provincial chairperson. If we want to continue with the legacy of a woman Premier, there are well suited individuals within the organisation to fulfill this role.”
He welcomed the ultimate resignation of the MEC for Co-operative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Coghsta) Alvin Botes.
Gxoyiya believed that despite the removal of Botes, it had not resolved the rot at Coghsta.
“Provincial office bearers have been tasked to call for a forensic investigation into the department and institute a total overhaul of senior management. The only solution to the impasse that exists between the ANC as a centre of power and its deployees in government is the removal of the Premier. “
He indicated that Cosatu would discuss the under performance of MEC’s who were not delivering on their mandates.
“There are officials who know how to trick the system. Even after the MEC for Coghsta has gone, his established network will continue and will justify why certain projects were halted.”
Office of the Premier spokesperson Bronwyn Thomas-Abrahams, pointed out that it was the authority of the President to appoint Premiers.
“The latest cabinet reshuffle came after sufficient consultation and agreement with the ANC provincial leadership.”
ANC Provincial Secretary Deshi Ngxanga confirmed that the Premier had not undermined the ANC and had “thoroughly discussed” the reshuffling with all alliance partners.
“We will meet with Cosatu to discuss the matters raised.”