FRIDAY, 8.00AM
THE Democratic Party in Gauteng claims that the depature of Gauteng premier Tokyo Sexwale from politics (see below) has been prompted by in-fighting in his cabinet, in particular against a rival faction led by safety and security head Jessie Duarte.
The Gauteng ANC has said only that it will discuss the premier’s plans to quit in the next few weeks. The National Party has urged him to leave immediately, because he now has his mind focussed on other matters.
THURSDAY, 8.00AM
GAUTENG Premier Tokyo Sexwale plans to leave politics in 1999, and has informed both the president and deputy president of his decision, his office announced yesterday.
No reasons were given, but Sexwale’s career in the ANC appears to have been blocked following public clashes with Thabo Mbeki last year and the nomination of Mapumalanga premier Mathews Phosa to the key deputy presidency position.
The stock exchange was abuzz with speculation yesterday that Sexwale might leave much sooner to take up a post in business, possibly a key executive job at JCI, now headed by Mzi Khumalo, or a position at Thebe, where his brother Johnny holds a senior position.
The turning point for Sexwale came last September, when he was involved in a public spat with Mbeki over claims Mbeki had ordered National Party leader FW de Klerk to investigate claims Sexwale had been involved in drug trafficking.
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