Shilowa denies new party plans

2008-09-29 11:01

Johannesburg - Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa has no plans to be part of a rumoured new political party, his spokesperson said on Monday.

"He [Shilowa] has denied that so many times. How many times should he deny that? He is still a member of the ANC," said his spokesperson Simon Zwane.

This comes after the African National Congress provincial leadership reportedly reprimanded him after he criticised Judge Chris Nicholson's ruling and the move to oust Thabo Mbeki as president.

The Star newspaper reported on Monday that Shilowa had been gagged by the ANC.

"I don't know. I also read it but I really do not know what they are talking about," said Zwane.

Newly-elected deputy president Baleka Mbete has said disgruntled party members who plan to start their own movement were wasting their energy.

Judgment had 'no basis in law'

Shilowa said last week, in an interview with the Mail and Guardian, that Nicholson's judgment had "no basis in law".

"Nicholson said things that aren't based on anything factual... I have no difficulty with him having an opinion, but you can't elevate an opinion to a fact.

"He produced no evidence and tested no evidence," said Shilowa.

"I just hope that when the ANC leadership discusses the issue they will separate facts from opinion. I personally don't think the judgment provides any basis to say the president must go."

'Infighting affecting governance'

Meanwhile, the Democratic Alliance said on Monday that ANC infighting had affected the governance of the Gauteng province.

Gauteng DA leader Jack Bloom said he had written a letter to Shilowa, asking him to step into a "bitter row" between public works MEC Ignatius Jacobs and his head of department Sibusiso Buthelezi.

The fall-out between the two men allegedly stemmed from a R692m contract Buthelezi awarded to Ilima Projects to complete the Jabulani Hospital in Soweto.

"This contract was cancelled after it was found that Ilima had submitted a fraudulent tax clearance certificate," said Bloom.

"This is the second time that I have written to Shilowa on this matter. "I am concerned that Shilowa is unable to act on issues like this that demand his urgent attention, as his position as premier is under threat from his internal ANC enemies. The governance of Gauteng is suffering because of ANC infighting," added Bloom.

- SAPA