‘MEC Duma undermines KZN Premier’
The cringe-worthy moment has led to Duma being criticised by opposition parties and internally by the ANC Women's League (ANCWL).
South Coaster and chairperson of the provincial ANC Siboniso Duma has come under fire for allegedly undermining KZN Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube during the Rugby World Cup trophy tour in eThekwini last weekend.
In a viral video on social media, Duma could be seen reaching for the trophy first and hoisting it up with Springbok lock Eben Etzebeth during a photo opportunity after an official had only called the Premier (Dube-Ncube) and Etzebeth to lift the trophy.
The cringeworthy moment has led to Duma being criticised by opposition parties and internally by the ANC Women’s League (ANCWL).
The league said Duma’s actions of undermining and disrespecting Premier Dube-Ncube merely because she was not the provincial chairperson were at odds with the culture of the ANC.
Last year, Duma was elected as ANC KZN chairperson, but he did not take up the KZN premier’s seat, which had been vacated by Sihle Zikalala. Instead, the party opted for Dube-Ncube to occupy the position and become the first female Premier of KZN.
In a statement, the ANCWL said it was deeply concerned by the ongoing and regrettable actions of Duma, which were repeatedly undermining the authority and leadership of Premier Dube-Ncube.
“These regrettable actions not only continue to undermine the authority of the premier of the province but also betray the principles of non-sexism and gender equality that are fundamental to the ANC’s ideology. Gender equality is not just an ideal but a fundamental principle that the ANC identifies with. The actions of Comrade Duma demonstrate a regrettable departure from this essential value, perpetuating harmful gender stereotypes which have no place within the ANC or in broader political discourse,” read the statement.
Dismissing the criticism, KZN ANC secretary Bheki Mtolo said they have correspondence from Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube indicating that it had been agreed to allow Duma to lift the trophy.
Mtolo said this was a collective decision, saying that at no stage did Duma impose himself.
“We believe that it is extremely sad that the ANCWL has decided to be the loudhailers of the chorus peddled by forces opposed to the ANC. Under normal circumstances, we would have expected the ANCWL to engage the ANC provincial leadership using internal processes instead of this reckless posture that is divisive and factional at its best. In particular, the less said about the author of the statement – ANCWL deputy secretary Dina Pule the better,” said Mtolo.
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