POLOKWANE – While the ANC’s Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) yesterday did not want to confirm or deny rumours that the Premier, Stanley Mathabatha has been recalled, a source in the presidency told Review the matter simply needs to be ‘formalised’.
The process to formalise the resignation of the premier is in the hands of the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), the source confirmed, saying it was ‘just a matter of time’ since the NEC was currently preoccupied with matters of national importance, such as the cabinet reshuffle and the downgrading of South African by Standard & Poor.
“We expected the NEC, under the tutelage of Secretary General Gwede Mantashe, to write a letter to Frans Mohlala House, but the NEC and the National Working Committee have had a busy schedule amid the reshuffling saga,” the source said.
The source said the premier had already been informed about the decision and that names have already been put forward as to a replacement.
“The new premier is a tried and tested ANC member with an ocean of knowledge on local government,” the source said.
The PEC meeting, held on Wednesday, aimed to update the media on, among others, recent developments in the province including the situation in Vuwani, the reshuffle of cabinet last week and to reiterate the party’s call for unity.
“There is a process that must be followed when appointing or recalling premiers”.
Convenor of the ANC’s NEC deployees, Ruth Bhengu said an official statement would be released by the ANC in due course.
Mathabatha could not be drawn into comment but his spokesperson, Kenny Mathiba said it remained allegations that the premier was being recalled.
