Brown to replace Rasool?
2008-07-14 09:37
Liesel Peyper
Cape Town - Everything points to Lynne Brown, Western Cape Minster of Finance and Tourism, replacing Ebrahim Rasool as premier this week.
This follows after a decision by the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) to dismiss Rasool, as well as Eastern Cape Premier, Nosimo Balindlela.
The NEC met in Johannesburg at the weekend to discuss the two premiers, amongst other things. Although neither ANC spokesperson Jessie Duarte, nor the presidential spokesperson Mukoni Ratshitinga wanted to confirm the rumours, informed sources within the party, said it was true.
President Thabo Mbeki confirmed at the weekend that Kgalema Motlanthe, ANC deputy president, had been elected to cabinet.
According to the Sunday Times, Mbeki has already been informed of the decision to dismiss the premiers but the ANC wants him to announce it. The NEC would announce the decisions at a press conference. It is unclear how the process will continue from there as the Constitution states that the NEC cannot dismiss premiers.
A two-thirds majority in the provincial legislature first has to accept a motion of no-confidence on the grounds of serious offences or incompetence before a premier can be dismissed.
The Constitution also stipulates that a premier is only considered for official benefits if he resigns of his own free will. It would therefore be best if Rasool decided to resign of his own accord.
Rasool's office has been on shaky ground for some time after infighting between his supporters and those of Mcebisi Skwatsha, the provincial secretary. Those supporting the Skwatsha faction, strongly denied rumours that Rasool was being axed because he had supported Mbeki at Polokwane. Misuse of government resources to disadvantage political opponents was cited as the reason for his dismissal.
Rasool supporters deplored the NEC's decision and said it would have serious implications for political stability in the province. Cabinet would probably be reshuffled and this would disrupt the Western Cape government even more, said an informed source.
- Die Burger