Embattled official on ‘voluntary leave’

PUMLANI MKOLO
PUMLANI MKOLO
The ANC has asked its Eastern Cape secretary Pumlani Mkolo to step aside while his deputy acts in his position until the party’s regional conference   next month. 

A  source close to the developments  said Mkolo’s “voluntary leave” won’t   affect his eligibility to contest the elective conference, nor will it affect his employment contract with the ANC headquarters in Luthuli House, who pay his monthly salary.

“All we want to happen is to create stability as branches prepare for the elective conference,” said the source, a senior ANC member.

Mkolo confirmed to the Saturday  Dispatch yesterday that he had been given until Monday to decide whether to voluntarily step aside or not.

“I am very willing to do that, to allow ANC processes towards the conference to run smoothly. I remain an ANC member and in the employ of the party until the next elective conference,” said Mkolo.

A week ago  ANC complaints and disputes head Jessie Duarte visited the province to listen to complaints from at least five  regions – Buffalo City Metro, Chris Hani, Amathole, Sarah Baartman and OR Tambo.

The Dispatch reported at the time that provincial leaders had to ask her  to extend her stay by two more days to resolve  complaints from BCM branches, as well as a loaded list from OR Tambo.

On Wednesday last week,   ANC members  for and against Mkolo had verbal exchanges in front of the  regional offices, both scrambling to have the ear of  Duarte. Provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane said they had yet to receive the  Duarte report’s outcome.

Mkolo and nine others allegedly  misused over R5.9-million of BCM funds meant for Mandela memorial services.

The provincial executive committee  asked  the national integrity committee to  rule on the case.  Mabuyane said  the investigation’s outcome  has  not been handed over to the PEC.

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