Mabuza lashes ANC top leaders for speaking out against Zuma

President Jacob Zuma can count on Mabuza’s support regarding the Cabinet reshuffle, as the Mpumalanga premier told an ANC rally that those who had spoken against it did not have the party’s best interest at heart.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize and secretary-general Gwede Mantashe have been vocal about the restructuring of Cabinet, with Ramaphosa saying the axing of former finance minister Pravin Gordhan was unacceptable and Mantashe stating the top six had not been consulted but rather informed of the changes to the Cabinet.

In a strongly worded statement, Mkhize said the ANC no longer came first to Zuma.

“Unlike previous consultations which take place with senior officials of the ANC during such appointments and changes to the composition of the national executive, the briefing by the President left a distinct impression that the ANC is no longer the centre and thus depriving the leadership collective of its responsibility to advise politically on executive matters.”

Mabuza told crowds at the rally that the three were ill-disciplined and not presidents, reports EWN.

“You can’t hang your dirty linens out there. Whom are you trying to appease?”

“I don’t think they’re setting a good example. We’re working hard here on the ground to unite the ANC, and I see they’re working hard to divide the ANC,” said Mabuza.

Mabuza is part of a select few who are considered to be Zuma’s close allies in the ANC. Together with Free State Premier Ace Magashule and North West Premier Supra Mahumapelo, the trio form the ‘premier league’, who are said to be lobbying for Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to take over from Zuma.

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