EFF Provincial Leader rejoins ANC

The departure of Michael Mathebe as leader of the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in the province is not considered a distraction by the party as they prepare for Sunday’s rally and the pending elections. The announcement came six days before next week’s local government elections.
Mathebe was presented to the media during an African National Congress (ANC) presser at Frans Mohlala House late yesterday by a host of party leaders, led by ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe. Mathebe was shown to his seat at the press conference by Provincial Chairperson Stan Mathabatha. The leaders were joined by National Executive Committee (NEC) member Pule Mabe, Provincial Secretary Nocks Seabi and Deputy Provincial Secretary Makoma Makhurupetje. Upon conclusion of the media briefing that mainly centred around Mathebe’s rejoining the ANC and the Tubatse mayoral candidacy raised by the ANC Youth League (Ancyl), he was given an ANC T-shirt by Mathabatha. Seabi then placed a branded cap on Mathebe’s head. It was followed by cheers from party members present.
Mantashe welcomed Mathebe back to the ANC because that was where he belonged, and continued saying they were quite happy and excited to have him there.
Mathabatha said on behalf of the ANC in the province he welcomed back Mathebe and said having worked with him before they knew what asset he was to the liberation movement, from the days of the struggle to date. “This is your home.”
In a brief 18-second response Mathebe said he was grateful to be back home and to his roots. He added that It was true that it was cold out there which they have learnt the hard way and that he was a lost son and now was found. He was home and happy to be back, he concluded.
Approached for comment on Mathebe’s departure, EFF National Spokesperson Mbuyiseni Ndlozi said it was a distraction that wasn’t a distraction. Ndlozi indicated that without Mathebe’s participation in party activities or his presence at their offices and fulfilling responsibilities bestowed on him since the beginning of the year until the party’s Orlando manifesto rally and hearing of his departure in the media, they have still met their targets and nothing has gone wrong in the EFF. He added that Mathebe wasn’t able to provide any information with regards to preparations for the local government election or national rally.

Story and photo: YOLANDE NEL
>>observer.yolande@gmail.com

Photo: Michael Mathebe addresses the media during yesterday’s presser. To the left is ANC Secretary General Gwede Mantashe.