PEC discusses Vuwani protests

While gruesome protests were taking place in Vuwani, the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) said the police were working around the clock to ensure that history does not repeat itself.
Addressing the media at Frans Mohlala House this morning (Wednesday), ANC Provincial Secretary Nocks Seabi said the PEC had noted threats of violence coming from the Vuwani area and it is thus calling upon the communities in the area to refrain from acts of violence and destruction of properties.
The Vuwani saga was among the issues discussed during the special PEC meeting that was held on Monday.
He further said they are calling upon the police to exercise outmost vigilance in the area to make sure that residents are safe. Seabi added that they have been engaging with traditional leaders in Vuwani in an effort to cease the protest.
“The special PEC was briefed about the decision of the Demarcation Board regarding the requests to re-determine the outer boundaries of Lim345 municipality by the communities of Vuwani area. The board has decided not to grant the request of the communities of Vuwani before the normal scheduled period,” Seabi explained.
He further said the PEC together with assigned task teams will engage with the community leadership on the decision of the Demarcation Board and preparations for the 2021 municipal outer boundary re-determination.
The PEC also discussed rumours currently making rounds on social media about the ANC’s plan to recall the Premier, Stan Mathabatha. Ruth Bhengu, leader of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) deployees in the province said that the PEC held a special meeting on 6 March to discuss this rumour. “This is just a rumour and should be treated as such. Mathabatha is not going anywhere,” she said.
It is alleged that certain members of the PEC who insinuate decision with the ranks of the PEC with allegations of a motion of no confidence against Mathabatha. Seabi said the PEC would like to reiterate the fact that there was no discussion within the PEC about a motion of any confidence against Mathabatha and or his recall. Seabi further said: “If such allegations are true, we must clearly clarify that such PEC members are not representing the views of this PEC.”
He referred to opposition parties planning a total shutdown in the country and a march to Luthuli House on Friday to demand that Jacob Zuma to step down. Seabi warned that history can only be a teacher to anyone who attempts an invasion of Luthuli House. He further said the PEC was adamant that none of the ANC MPs would be fooled to vote with the opposition parties in the purported motion of no confidence.
“We will meet with our ANC deployees to parliament to give them a directive if any of the opposition parties were intent on seeking power for themselves, they would have formed coalition government with the ANC,” Seabi said. He further said the PEC still has confidence in Zuma.

Story & photos: Endy Senyatsi
>> endy@observer.co.za