Despite conceding that talks are underway, the coordinator of the ANC’s Interim Provincial Committee (IPC), Hlomani Chauke, goes on to clarify in a statement that the “deployment of any Premier remains an exclusive domain of the National Executive Committee (NEC)”. The IPC Coordinator has, however, condemned fake news stating Mokgoro has resigned and is to be replaced by IPC Convenor, Sussana Dantjie.

Chauke says these reports are void of the truth and seek to sow divisions within the party in the province.

The IPC’s statement comes after Mokgoro’s spokesperson, Vuyisile Ngesi, vehemently refuted rumours and reports alleging the Premier had stepped down from his role as the head of the province. Ngesi further added that Mokgoro continues serving the province and was in fact preparing for his meeting with members of the provincial executive committee (EXCO), set to take place on Wednesday 7 July.

The rumours surfaced a day after City Press published an article on Sunday 4 July alleging the ANC national working committee had gotten the ball rolling in axing Mokgoro from the role.

On 31 January, the aforementioned IPC informed the media they had temporarily suspended Mokgoro and three other members from the party due to them voting with the opposition, effectively going against the “party mandate” in the Provincial Legislature.

The IPC said in turn that they will monitor Job Mokgoro’s decisions moving forward and will intervene on major decisions made to ensure he does comply with the “party mandate”.

Mokgoro has maintained his position as the leader of the province, adding that he is only answerable to Luthuli House – the ANC’s headquarters in Johannesburg.

OFM News