‘Absent’ Mpumalanga premier expected back in two weeks

The premier has been on official sick leave for 40 days, with community safety, security and liaison MEC Shongwe acting on his behalf.

Speculation about his condition has been rife, compelling the executive council to offer Mpumalanga citizens its assurances on Thursday, Lowvelder reported.

“I doubt he will go beyond two weeks before coming back,” Shongwe said. “In confidence I can tell the people of the province not to worry, the premier is fine, he is going to resume his duties in the near future.”

This comes after the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) tabled a motion calling for the election of a new premier during a legislature sitting last week.

“The province can’t afford to operate with an acting premier for such a long time and as oral replies by the premier to questions asked by members have been outstanding for quite a long time now,” the motion read.

EFF’s motion to elect a new premier was defeated by the house, but this did not stop the EFF from submitting a notice of motion that it debate the rules, governing the replacement of premiers, at its next sitting.

In his preamble, provincial party leader Collen Sedibe said Mabuza has demonstrated an “inability to perform his functions”.

Due to Mabuza’s indefinite leave for fatigue, legislature sessions where he was supposed to answer questions had been cancelled.

–  Caxton News Service