By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Deputy President David Mabuza has dismissed reports that he had asked to relinquish his official duties at the Union Buildings to be placed at Luthuli House full-time.
News24 published a report headlined: “Ramaphosa rejects Mabuza’s request to be placed full-time at Luthuli House-sources”.
In the article, anonymous sources are quoted suggesting that Mabuza had requested to be “relieved of his duties at the Union Buildings and be placed at Luthuli House.”
Mabuza regrets that News24 would publish such a fabrication without even seeking an official comment from his office, more so, given the far-reaching implications of the purported story to the centre of government, presidency said in a statement.
“The deputy president remains seized with the implementation of the programme of action of government, as outlined by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the State of the Nation Address, read the statement.
“To this end, Deputy President Mabuza continues to execute his constitutional responsibilities as delegated by the president.”
“This is in addition to performing his responsibilities as part of the leadership collective of the governing party. Therefore, he is not distracted by such imaginings even as they come dressed as ‘news’,” presidency added.
It is reportedly feared Mabuza stationing himself at Luthuli House would give him wide-ranging access to the party’s branches ahead of the national conference in December.
Meanwhile the ANC’s national working committee reportedly heard recommendations to disband its provincial executive committees (PECs) in the Eastern Cape and in Mpumalanga.
This after their term of office expired and they are set to elect new leadership during their provincial elective conferences ahead of the ANC’s national conference in December.
The ANC’s highest decision-making body, the national executive committee (NEC), is expected to make a final decision on the matter when it meets.