Reshuffle call after SACP leaders’ snub
THE SACP in KwaZulu-Natal, is one of the four provincial bodies demanding the reshuffling of ANC-led cabinets following the “exclusion” of its leaders.
Other provinces are the Northern Cape, Free State and Limpopo.
The alleged exclusions have reportedly created tension since the premiers of the three provinces announced their candidates for provincial cabinets. Now, aggrieved SACP members want such decisions reversed.
Members in the three provinces, according to insiders, want their national office, particularly its general secretary Blade Nzimande, to deal with the “anomaly” when the national officer-bearers hold their all-important meeting this weekend in Joburg.
SACP national spokesperson Alex Mashilo confirmed his party would have its top central executive committee meeting starting today to discuss the outcome of elections and the appointments of its senior leaders tothe cabinets after the May 8 elections.
“We do not have a report on the exclusion of certain SACP leaders in the provincial cabinets. What I can confirm is that we are going to assess the overall appointments in cabinet and the priorities that must be undertaken.
“The SACP provincial secretaries and chairpersons are ex-officio members of the central executive committee. They may share their provincial experiences and that is likely to attract questions of clarity and discussions.”
Mashilo was adamant that the alleged exclusions were not on their agenda but “the party will deal with it, if it is raised in the meeting.”
One of the sources said the Free State was worse off after former MEC Oua Khoabane – the SACP provincial executive member – was left out.
“The list process was fraught with factional dynamics and outright exclusion of SACP members lingering on in Metsimaholo Municipality in Sasolburg, where the SACP contested local government elections independently.”
The SACP in KwaZulu-Natal initiated the revolt on May 28 when it protested against Premier Sihle Zikalala’s inclusion of Peggy Nkonyeni in his cabinet.
The SACP had proposed its party’s provincial chairperson James Nxumalo and secretary Themba Mthembu.
SACP KwaZulu-Natal deputy secretary Msizi Nhlapo said none of them were considered.
SACP members in Limpopo also raised concerns about the alleged inclusion of people linked to the VBS scandal in his cabinet. But Premier Stanley Mathabatha’s spokesperson Kenny Mathivha denied any irregularities saying the premier had consulted widely before the appointment of his cabinet. The SACP in the Northern Cape became the latest to express its outrage following the exclusion of its provincial secretary Norman Shushu from the legislature.