NEC can't fire premiers - DA

2008-07-13 20:08

Johannesburg - The ANC's apparent decision to axe Western Cape premier Ebrahim Rasool and Eastern Cape premier Nosimo Balindlela showed party decisions were driven by "factional power plays", DA leader Helen Zille said on Sunday.

"Service delivery is never a consideration for the ANC in making these decisions."

Zille did however say that neither Balindlela nor Rasool had served their respective offices with distinction.

"Both their administrations have been tarnished by serious corruption allegations and service delivery failure."

Political sands have shifted

She said they were not previously removed because they were in the "right" faction.

"It is only now that the political sands have shifted from Mbeki to Zuma that they face losing their jobs."

Zille said the ANC NEC did not have the power to remove or appoint premiers.

According to the Constitution, premiers can only be removed by a provincial legislature resolution adopted by at least two-thirds of the members, she said.

"Also, the Constitution prescribes that a new premier must be elected by a provincial legislature."

Zille said the DA members in the legislatures would vote for whom they believe is best for the people of the province.

"We will not be used as a pawn in a political game between rival ANC factions," she said.

Press conference

The African National Congress is expected to hold a press conference on Monday afternoon amid reports that it had fired the premiers.

ANC spokesperson Jessie Duarte said on Sunday she would not comment on the matter until the National Executive Committee finished its discussions.

"I can not comment on the matter until Monday afternoon when the NEC concludes its discussions. I will not talk about the press speculation," Duarte said.

The Sunday Times reported that the National Executive Committee decided to sack the two with immediate effect.

The decision to axe Rasool and Balindlela was taken at the party's tense NEC meeting in Gauteng this weekend as the ANC battles to contain chaos in its structures across the country ahead of next year's general elections, the Sunday Times said.

- SAPA