Eastern Cape Premier Makhenkesi Stofile said this week that he will quit his position at the end of his term in 2004.
Stofile’s announcement comes two months after he was subjected to internal criticism from ANC leaders for slack performance.
Phila Ngqumba, Stofile’s spokesperson, confirmed that the ANC chairperson in the Eastern Cape has expressed his willingness to step down, but denied it had anything to do with the recent criticism of Stofile.
In July Mkhuseli Jack, an Eastern Cape businessman, asked President Thabo Mbeki to fire Stofile, saying the premier had failed to govern the province and should be redeployed. Mbeki’s office said the president had ”full confidence” in Stofile.
It is not clear why Stofile has decided to quit or what he plans to do after 2004.
Ngqumba said this was not the first time Stofile had indicated he would not be available to serve after 2004. ”The premier wants to do something else. He is going to decide what he will do at a later stage.”
Smuts Ngonyama, national ANC spokesperson, said Stofile had not formally informed the national office of his decision. He said he was surprised that Stofile had publicly announced his intention to quit before informing the ANC national leadership.
Stofile made his announcement on Tuesday at the Heritage Day celebrations in the province.
Ngqumba said the premier believed there were many leaders in the ANC who could succeed him. ”The premier is of the view that he has played his part. He does not want to stand for a third term.”
Stofile became premier of the Eastern Cape in 1997, replacing the ailing Raymond Mhlaba. He was reappointed in 1999.
Though he is unwilling to serve another term as premier, Stofile is standing for the post of provincial chairperson of the ANC. He faces a stiff challenge from Mluleki George. But even if George becomes chairperson at the October 24 provincial conference he will not be guaranteed the premiership.
Speculation has been rife that Ngonyama, who formerly served as Eastern Cape MEC for economic affairs and housing, has ambitions to become premier. He has denied the claims.