E Cape premier quits

2008-07-25 20:38

Johannesburg - Eastern Cape Premier Nosimo Balindlela formally resigned on Friday, Dispatch Online reported.

The announcement was made at an African National Congress news conference in Bhisho on Friday.

Economic affairs MEC Mbulelo Sogoni was named as her successor.

ANC secretary-general Gwede Mantashe said the decision to replace Balindlela came after the ruling party scrutinised the situation in the Eastern Cape.

The party concluded that it needed to intervene.

"After looking at the Eastern Cape we felt that we needed to intervene and that people needed to be redeployed," Mantashe said.

"(Mbulelo) Sogoni, who is the economic affairs MEC will be premier until the 2009 elections."

Mantashe added: "The task of Sogoni is to appoint a cabinet and identify suitable people for positions, look into the administration of the province and to identify programmes that need to be priorities."

Confirming her resignation, Balindlela who was appointed premier in 2004, said: "As a loyal ANC member I agreed to resign in the spirit of our forefathers. I have no regret and I am not bitter."

Sogoni, who is also the ANC's deputy provincial chairperson, will take over Balindlela's post on August 1.

The SABC reported Balindlela as saying her future plans included starting a foundation for the poor in the Eastern Cape.

She urged business people to rally behind the venture.

- SAPA