The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng has denied reports of a revolt against provincial Premier Nomvula Mokonyane.
“To put the record straight, there is no revolt against the Premier Nomvula Mokonyane. The ANC is the centre and it works well with government,” spokesperson Dumisa Ntuli said in a statement.
“The relationship between the ANC, premier and her cabinet team and together with the collective of Provincial Executive Committee members remains strong,” said Ntuli.
The party had no intention of micro-managing the government before and after the May conference.
A daily newspaper reported that the province appeared to be headed for a showdown, as supporters of provincial chairman Paul Mashatile revolted against Mokonyane being “imposed” on them.
The newspaper quoted a source who blamed President Jacob Zuma for creating two centres of power, by appointing Mokonyane as premier and not ANC provincial chairman Paul Mashatile.
“The premier was not imposed. Proper procedures were followed for her ultimate deployment,” Ntuli said.
He said the process of appointing Mokonyane was fair and democratic.
“The conference, which will take place in May, is not about government or deciding on the premier. It is about the ANC branches to discuss policy issues and elect leadership.”
He said it was “fallacious” to say Mashatile was demoted.
In the ANC there is no demotion. but deployment of cadres in government to serve the people, Ntuli said.
“This is in accordance with their skills , experience, gender and fair representation.”–Sapa