NC premier’s cabinet reshuffle a ‘ploy to stay in power’

The controversial cabinet reshuffle by Northern Cape Premier Sylvia Lucas is a tactic to counter her possible defeat by rival Zamani Saul at the provincial conference, which is currently under way, a political analyst has said.

But Lucas vehemently defended her decision, saying it was meant to enhance service delivery, when asked for comment by The Citizen yesterday.

André Duvenhage, from the North West University Potchefstroom campus, said it seemed the Saul faction of the ANC was gaining momentum and could win the party elections.

Saul is standing against Lucas for the ANC provincial chairperson portfolio.

ANC leadership in the province warned of possible consequences for Lucas after the reshuffle, announced on Wednesday. Lucas dismissed finance and economic development MEC Mac Jack, and transport and safety MEC Pauline Williams.

Jack is a chief lobbyist for Saul. Saul said Lucas had not consulted the party about her decision.

He expressed “absolute disgust” at the reshuffle in which she removed her two opponents and replaced them with her loyalists.

“We want to put it on record that the ANC was not consulted. This was done in total disregard of the ANC internal processes, which require thorough consultation with both the ANC and the alliance partners. We, therefore, do not take kindly to this conduct by the premier,” he said.

But Lucas defended her decision yesterday, saying Saul’s statement was not an official ANC response and was “irresponsible and regrettable”.

The premier said her decision was meant to ensure that her executive committee performed at an optimal level.

“The decision was not an impulsive one.”

But Saul insisted the reshuffle had nothing to do with improving service delivery, but was to influence the conference outcome.

Duvenhage said the cabinet reshuffle was a tactic to frustrate the Saul group at the conference, because Lucas had realised she might lose the election.

“I think Saul has the most chance. He is probably the more popular of the two candidates,” Duvenhage said.

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