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The ANC is expected to announce a reshuffle of at least four members of the KwaZulu-Natal cabinet at a briefing in Durban today.
Two weeks of intense speculation over the fate of supporters of axed Premier Senzo Mchunu came to an end this morning when Young Communist League deputy secretary Mluleki Dlelanga pre-empted the governing party in an interview on eNews and let slip the fact that the four unnamed MECs were on their way out.
Dlelanga’s comments came hours ahead of the ANC briefing on the reshuffle, the result of intense pressure from the ANC Youth League in the province who were major backers of ANC provincial chairperson Sihle Zikalala in his successful bid to oust Senzo Mchunu last November.
The removal of MECs who backed Mchunu’s campaign – including Mike Mabuyakhulu (economic development); Cyril Xaba (agriculture), Belinda Scott (finance), Ntombi Sibhidla Saphetha (arts and culture) and Peggy Nkonyeni (education) – has been on the cards since Senzo Mchunu was forced to resign late last month.
Two additional portfolios previously occupied by new Premier Willies Mchunu – transport and public safety – are also up for grabs.
The reshuffle had been delayed by the death of Willies Mchunu’s mother, who was buried on Saturday, and the new premier’s opposition to wholesale change ahead of the elections on August 3.
He is understood to have favoured a less radical cull of the cabinet he has served in for two terms as MEC and to have wanted to retain Mabuyakhulu, whose portfolio has been earmarked for Zikalala, who only joined the provincial legislature as a MPL after the November party elective conference.
The ANC’s succession plan in the province features Zikalala as premier candidate for the coming national and general elections, with Willies Mchunu preparing the ground for this by appointing Zikalala as economic development MEC for the rest of the current term of office.
Other MPLs likely to be promoted are Nomagugu Simelane-Zulu, the current caucus chair, and transport portfolio committee Mxolisi Kaunda.
Premier’s office spokesperson Ndabe Sibiya did not answer calls from City Press.
“I know nothing about it,” said ANC spokesperson Mdumiseni Ntuli.
“We are holding a briefing [on political developments in the province] at 10am to deal with those allegations.”
There was no comment from the premier's office.
