ANC heavyweights in the OR Tambo region who campaigned for President Jacob Zuma’s removal as party leader at the Mangaung conference last December were yesterday axed from their executive positions.
Regional chairman Thandekile Sabisa, who was mayor of Mhlontlo Municipality which covers Tsolo and Qumbu, has been demoted to deputy mayor of the OR Tambo district council.
Mhlontlo mayoral executive committee member Mandisa Giyose takes over from Sabisa as Mhlontlo mayor.
Sabisa’s ally in the run-up to the Port Elizabeth conference, Dingaan Myolwa, has been fired as OR Tambo mayor.
Sabisa’s right-hand man, ANC regional secretary Jackson Sabona, supported the Mabuyane group and has been elected to the provincial executive committee (PEC) and also nominated by branches for a seat in Parliament.
Mabuyane said the reshuffle was a collective decision of the PEC.
“The claim is just a figment of someone’s imagination, Mabuyane is not the PEC.”
The latest reshuffle comes a month after the removal of Matatiele mayor Ntombovuyo Nkompane, who also supported Sabisa’s faction to have Mabuyane replaced by ANC deputy chief whip Michael Peter.
Other Mabuyane opponents removed from executive council positions include:
lNtabankulu mayor Zuko Lwana, who has been redeployed to the Alfred Nzo District Municipality;
lKSD council Speaker Funeka Dondashe, who is now an ordinary councillor; and
lAmathole District municipal public accounts committee chairwoman Nanziwe Rulashe is now an ordinary councillor.
Sabisa, who assumes his role as OR Tambo deputy mayor on Friday, has also been at loggerheads with the Mhlontlo ANC chief whip, Xolile Nkompela.
Contacted for comment yesterday, Sabisa said he accepted the decision to redeploy him.
“The ANC is responsible for the deployment of its members.
“The leadership has communicated the decision of redeploying me. “I accept the decision,” said Sabisa.
Myolwa made the news recently when the Daily Dispatch exposed that he had spent thousands of rands in a luxury car hiring spree last year and damaging some of those vehicles.
This was despite there being five mayoral vehicles available at the time.
Myolwa will be replaced by OR Tambo council Speaker and Salga provincial chairwoman Nomakhosazana Meth.
Reacting to the axing, Myolwa said: “Everything decided and instructed by the leadership of the organisation I will accept. I will take any responsibility I am given by the organisation.
“I wish my successor all the best because this position has challenges.”
ANC provincial chairman Phumulo Masualle said: “We have decided to withdraw and reassign the mayors in OR Tambo and Mhlontlo.
“We trust this will be supported by all.
“We appreciate the efforts and sacrifices made by all affected in these changes and of course that their ongoing contribution will still benefit our organisation in different areas of work.” — abongilem@dispatch.co.za
ANC axe falls on anti-Zuma heavyweights
Regional chairman Thandekile Sabisa, who was mayor of Mhlontlo Municipality which covers Tsolo and Qumbu, has been demoted to deputy mayor of the OR Tambo district council.
Mhlontlo mayoral executive committee member Mandisa Giyose takes over from Sabisa as Mhlontlo mayor.
Sabisa’s ally in the run-up to the Port Elizabeth conference, Dingaan Myolwa, has been fired as OR Tambo mayor.
Sabisa’s right-hand man, ANC regional secretary Jackson Sabona, supported the Mabuyane group and has been elected to the provincial executive committee (PEC) and also nominated by branches for a seat in Parliament.
Mabuyane said the reshuffle was a collective decision of the PEC.
“The claim is just a figment of someone’s imagination, Mabuyane is not the PEC.”
The latest reshuffle comes a month after the removal of Matatiele mayor Ntombovuyo Nkompane, who also supported Sabisa’s faction to have Mabuyane replaced by ANC deputy chief whip Michael Peter.
Other Mabuyane opponents removed from executive council positions include:
lNtabankulu mayor Zuko Lwana, who has been redeployed to the Alfred Nzo District Municipality;
lKSD council Speaker Funeka Dondashe, who is now an ordinary councillor; and
lAmathole District municipal public accounts committee chairwoman Nanziwe Rulashe is now an ordinary councillor.
Sabisa, who assumes his role as OR Tambo deputy mayor on Friday, has also been at loggerheads with the Mhlontlo ANC chief whip, Xolile Nkompela.
Contacted for comment yesterday, Sabisa said he accepted the decision to redeploy him.
“The ANC is responsible for the deployment of its members.
“The leadership has communicated the decision of redeploying me. “I accept the decision,” said Sabisa.
Myolwa made the news recently when the Daily Dispatch exposed that he had spent thousands of rands in a luxury car hiring spree last year and damaging some of those vehicles.
This was despite there being five mayoral vehicles available at the time.
Myolwa will be replaced by OR Tambo council Speaker and Salga provincial chairwoman Nomakhosazana Meth.
Reacting to the axing, Myolwa said: “Everything decided and instructed by the leadership of the organisation I will accept. I will take any responsibility I am given by the organisation.
“I wish my successor all the best because this position has challenges.”
ANC provincial chairman Phumulo Masualle said: “We have decided to withdraw and reassign the mayors in OR Tambo and Mhlontlo.
“We trust this will be supported by all.
“We appreciate the efforts and sacrifices made by all affected in these changes and of course that their ongoing contribution will still benefit our organisation in different areas of work.” — abongilem@dispatch.co.za
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos