ANC rejects MP exodus rumours

2008-11-05 08:05

Cape Town - Rumours that several ANC MPs were on the verge of defecting to the new breakaway party led by former defence minister Mosiuoa Lekota were dismissed by the ruling party on Tuesday.

Briefing the media at Parliament, African National Congress Chief Whip Mnyamezeli Booi described as hearsay recent media reports suggesting that as many as 50 ruling party MPs were planning to jump ship.

"We wish to confirm that the office of the ANC Chief Whip has not received any letter of resignation or any indication to that effect from any of its MPs," he said.

Reports that certain MPs were likely to resign were mere speculation "and therefore can not be entertained".

"As deployed cadres of the movement, we shall continue without distraction to deliver on our mandate to the people of South Africa, on whose behalf we are privileged to serve in this institution," Booi said.

MPs can leave

However, he made it clear that MPs who wanted to leave would not be stopped.

"We wish to restate the position of the ANC that it respects the right of anyone to resign or join a political party of his or her choice," he said.

Former ANC Women's League deputy president Kiki Rwexana last week became the first sitting MP to resign her position and join the breakaway party.

However, Booi said the ANC still regarded her as its MP since it had not received an official letter of resignation from her.

It was only once the letter had been submitted to caucus that Rwexana's position would be declared vacant.

On statements by certain ANC leaders suggesting that ruling party members who attended last week's breakaway party national convention would be dismissed, Booi said caucus would not be taking action against any MP, unless there was proof suggesting active involvement in the new party.

- SAPA