Polokwane - Nathi Mthethwa, the Minister of Arts and Culture, found himself sandwiched between two factions in Limpopo ahead of the ANC’s provincial general council to elect a new treasurer.
Mthethwa has been accused of supporting Joe Mathebula, who is contesting the position, along with his political rival Danny Msiza, an ally of Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha.
The position became vacant after Thembi Nwendamutswu, who was also Education MEC, died in January after a short illness.
According to Msiza’s supporters, Mthethwa who is a deployee of the ANC in Limpopo, is trying to sow division within the party because he allegedly said the ANC Youth League in Limpopo had “reasserted it support for Mathebula”, who is a provincial executive member.
“We are extremely disappointed with comrade Nathi because we know him as a very sober comrade.
“We feel marginalised before the election of the new provincial treasurer.
“However, we remain confident that comrade Msiza will emerge victorious against all odds,” said a member of the provincial executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Another provincial executive member said: “If indeed allegations levelled against comrade Nathi are true, this will compromise him politically.
“This is very interesting because the election of the new provincial treasurer will take place soon,” he said.
Mthethwa said he was aware of the allegations against him, which were unfounded. He said he had been wrongly quoted in the media.
“I can confirm to you now that I never said that. I’m very principled and don’t believe in factionalism but (rather in) unity.
“I will never compromise myself like that by supporting one candidate ahead of another.
“I’m a deployee of the ANC and, therefore, sowing divisions is not part of my mandate,” Mthethwa said.
Msiza said: “Comrade Nathi is a very principled leader. … He is not a factionalist but a good leader who is very humble. I want to appeal to all comrades to refrain from factionalism (and) purging and defend the ANC at all times. The allegations against comrade Nathi are unfounded and groundless.”
Political analyst Professor Lesiba Teffo warned against the danger of slates. “It cannot be correct when members aren’t allowed to vote for their preferred candidate because the candidate forms part of a particular slate.
“That on its own is not democracy – allow people to elect the leader of their choice, without subjecting them to slates.”
Meanwhile, there was pandemonium in the Limpopo legislature on Thursday, when the ANC passed a motion of no-confidence against one of its own – Speaker Merriam Ramadwa. Ramadwa was suspended by the ANC provincial secretary, Nocks Seabi.
In protest against this, the opposition parties, the EFF, DA and Cope, disrupted the proceedings by making a noise.
However, the ANC got its way and passed a motion of no-confidence against Ramadwa
She was replaced as Speaker by Polly Boshielo.
Premier Mathabatha lost his cool at one point, with EFF member Jossey Buthane bearing the brunt of his wrath.
He told Buthane to sit down and “reduce his belly”.
Mathabatha was defending the MEC for Agriculture and Rural Development, Joy Matshoge, in a discussion about missing cattle.
The Sunday Independent