Ex-Mbombela mayor quits the ANC for EFF
A few months ago, a group of disgruntled members launched a campaign called "Save the ANC in Mpumalanga."
MBOMBELA – Internal disruptions in the Mpumalanga African National Congress have occurred just a month before the party holds its provincial elective congress.
Two weeks ago, Mr Tseko Taabe left the party to join the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF).
The ANC’s spokesman in the province, Mr Simon Skhosana, denied that the party is facing a problem. Another senior member in the party has followed Taabe. Mr Isaiah Khoza resigned from the ANC last week to join the EFF.
Khoza served as mayor of Mbombela Local Municipality from 1995 to 2004. He was also head of the provincial Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison.
Khoza said that the party has failed to redeploy him after his provincial-government contract came to an end.
Skhosana said issues of employment rest with those who are deployed in the departments of provincial government, and not the party.
“As HOD, Khoza was employed on a fixed-term contract and when his contract expired it was up to those who were responsible to deal with that matter,” Skhosana said.
He also said the departure of the two members was a “drop in the ocean”.
“Our only worry is that Comrade Isaiah’s posture and conduct is not meant for such parties (as the EFF), taking into account the investment and nurturing the ANC has done to him but the choice is his,” he said.
According to Skhosana, the ANC is concerned about any member leaving the organisation because it invests in its comrades, particularly those who are deployed in certain positions of higher responsibilities.
The provincial general council resolved to push forward the elective conference to October, to enable the new leadership to make sound decisions after the local government elections.
A few months ago, a group of disgruntled members launched a campaign called “Save the ANC in Mpumalanga.” They allege that the party under the leadership of
Mr David Mabuza is in disarray.
Skhosana also said that the party had sufficient internal processes to deal with grievances that arise, without any member jumping ship.
