Lekota confirms new party plan
2008-10-13 23:43
Norman Silke
Port Elizabeth - Former defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota, whose membership of the ANC was suspended on Monday, has confirmed his intention to form a breakaway party.
"We must go forward to the formation of a structure that can lead us, and not leave it to the ANC's National Executive Committee and the likes of [ANC Youth League president] Julius Malema," he told a gathering in New Brighton.
But Lekota added that he would only believe his suspension when the
ANC confirmed it to him in writing.
He pointed out that the party's constitution says no member can be punished without being afforded a hearing.
Lekota described divisions in the party as a tragedy and acknowledged that they had waited too long after cracks appeared to try and patch things up.
Mluleki George, who served as Lekota's deputy during his tenure as defence minister, was also kicked out of the party.
- Die Burger