Indian provincial premier forced to quit amid ANC infighting
South Africa's only Indian-origin provincial premier has been forced to step down by the ruling ANC.
By PTI |
DURBAN: South Africa's only Indian-origin provincial premier has been forced to step down by the ruling ANC, apparently falling prey to the bitter power-struggle between President Thabo Mbeki and party chief Jacob Zuma.
A close associate of Mbeki, Premier of the Western Cape province Ebrahim Rassool announced his decision to step down at a meeting attended by the chairperson of the African National Congress Baleka Mbete in Cape Town.
Appointed as the Premier in 2003 by President Thabo Mbeki, Rassool, whose grand-parents came to South Africa from Gujarat, said that he had served in his position honestly and effectively and was sad to step down.
Rassool has also resigned from the Cape provincial legislature.
Mbete, also Speaker of Parliament, told reporters that Rassool was asked to resign for "political reasons" and to prepare for the general elections next year.
Though Rassool gave no reasons for the move, it is believed he was axed because of his support for Mbeki during the ANC national conference in the town of Polokwane last December when Mbeki lost the ANC presidency to Zuma.
Zuma, 66, was the deputy president from 1999 till 2005 when he was forced to step down by Mbeki in the face of corruption charges. The popular Zulu leader, who is a favourite to run for Presidentship next year, also faced trial on rape charge but was acquitted in 2006.
Meanwhile, the Premier of the Eastern Cape province, Nosisiwe Balindela has also been asked to resign.
Like Rassool, Balindela was seen as a strong supporter of Mbeki and their sidelining hints at the powershift in the ruling party.
Download
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
The Economic Times Business News App for the Latest News in Business, Sensex, Stock Market Updates & More.
Download
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
The Economic Times News App for Quarterly Results, Latest News in ITR, Business, Share Market, Live Sensex News & More.
ADVERTISEMENT
