Mabuza announces his premier stand-in
MPUMALANGA Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Refilwe Mtsweni was yesterday announced as acting premier in the province until next year’s elections, following Deputy President David Mabuza’s departure.
On Monday, Mabuza – also ANC deputy president – delivered his last State of the Province address (Sopa) after nine years as premier.
Spokesperson in the premier’s office Zibonele Mncwango said Mabuza had appointed Mtsweni to finish his term as head of the provincial government.
“The premier appointed her to act on his behalf for the remainder of his term. He appointed her before he went to be sworn in at Parliament and take an oath as the deputy president of the country,” Mncwango said.
Mncwango said Mabuza’s choice of Mtsweni – who has been his favourite when appointing an acting person to the post – was aimed at avoiding a void in government.
Yesterday, the provincial legislature held a swearing-in ceremony for her in Mbombela, signalling the end of Mabuza’s official hold on the province since 2009.
Mabuza’s departure as a political head from the province to the Union Buildings is set to intensify the battle by those who are running to replace him as the ruling party’s provincial chairperson.
The ANC in the province is set to hold its provincial general council in early April, when Mabuza’s post – which already has seven candidates eyeing it – will be filled.
Contenders include current provincial secretary Mandla Ndlovu; PEC member Mandla Msibi; former provincial secretary Lucky Ndinisa; former PEC member and leader of “Save Mpumalanga ANC” group leader Peter Nyoni; ANC MP Fish Mahlalela; Mpumalanga MPL David Dube; and former deputy chairperson Charles Makola.
Despite appeals from the ANC’s national leaders, the contenders have so far refused to back down and reach consensus on who should take over from Mabuza.
New deputy president hands over to MEC Refilwe Mtsweni