Despite a possible disciplinary hearing today, Alvin Botes is yet to tender his resignation in line with the Northern Cape ANC’s directive since October 2017.

The Cooperative Governance, Human Settlements and Traditional Affairs (Cogta) MEC has consistently defied his redeployment to the National Assembly.

ANC MP Patrick Mabilo has since resigned from National Parliament to replace Botes as a member of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature. Ngxanga instructed the speaker, Kenny Moeimang, to implement the directive, but this could not happen due the lack of Botes’s resignation letter.

The affair has been marred by secrecy, with the ANC unable to confirm its next step after writing to Botes, threatening him with unemployment and disciplinary steps. In the letter provincial Secretary Deshi Ngxanga told Botes that Mabilo was now unemployed and the ANC had to pay his salary.

This prompted Botes to state on SABC radio that he was prepared to resign “to strengthen another arm of government”. However, his spokesperson, Xhanti Teki, could only reveal that “a consultation between Botes and the ANC is still happening”.

ANC Provincial Chairperson, Zamani Saul - also deployed to national level - told OFM News that the new PEC faces a lot of challenges since the much contested Colesburg Conference in May.

“It’s daring defiance from members of Premier Sylvia Luca’s cabinet and a lot more,” he said.

Mabilo refused to comment and directed all queries to Ngxanga, who wasn’t within reach. “I know that a hearing was scheduled for today. I know that discussions are taking place, but its unclear if the hearing will convene,” explained ANC spokeswoman Naledi Gaosekwe.

Several attempts to reshuffle the provincial cabinet by the new PEC “hit a slack” due to Botes’ defiance.

The ANCYL’s Neo Maneng had this to say: “If comrade Patrick Mabilo is not good enough to serve in national parliament, what makes him good [enough] for the provincial legislature?

“Why remove a performing MEC (Botes) and leave behind MECs who has a dark cloud hanging over their heads since they took office. This (will) risk the possibility of damaging the credibility and integrity of the ANC in the province if not for factional reasons and serving the interests of a cabal.”

The Legislature’s Epang Matolweni said they do not have a vacancy yet, while Bronwyn Thomas-Abrahams said the Premier hasn’t received Botes’ resignation.

OFM News/Ntozakhe Mthukwane