The quest for gender parity within the ANC in Mpumalanga has sparked a political storm in the tripartite alliance, with trade union Cosatu decrying a lack of consultation over a cabinet reshuffle.
The controversy centres around the ousting of seasoned trade unionist and culture, sports and recreation MEC Fana Vincent “Fidel” Mlombo, to make way for Leah Mabuza, a former mayor of Emalahleni Local Municipality.
The reshuffle on Wednesday, which Premier Mandla Ndlovu says is in line with the ANC’s long-standing gender policy, has drawn sharp criticism from the trade union federation.
“We are not happy with the manner in which the process was handled. We were only invited at the last minute, and when we advised otherwise, we were not heard,” said
Thabo Mokoena, Cosatu’s provincial secretary.
Cosatu, while backing gender representation, took issue with the process, citing a lack of
proper engagement. “We have been advocating for gender balance in cabinets across the country. Our main issue here is consultation. We requested a softer landing for the
affected comrade, but it never happened,” Mokoena told Sunday World.
Mlombo, a respected figure within the tripartite alliance, has a long history with
Cosatu and the SACP, where he served as provincial secretary from 2009 to 2016 before being appointed to the provincial legislature in 2016.
His forced resignation after a brief tenure in Ndlovu’s cabinet has deepened tensions between Cosatu and the ANC leadership.
However, Ndlovu defended his decision, citing the ANC’s policy on gender parity.
“The mandate to change my cabinet stems from a policy that requires a provincial executive council to have 60% women and 40% men when the premier is not a woman,”
Ndlovu explained.
He also praised Mabuza, saying her extensive experience in governance made her an
ideal candidate for the role.
Mabuza is expected to promote sports and creative arts initiatives, including ensuring the smooth hosting of the international rugby game between South Africa and Argentina at Mbombela Stadium this month.
Despite Ndlovu’s justifications, Cosatu remains unmoved.
The ANC’s provincial secretary, Muzi Chirwa, acknowledged Cosatu’s grievances but emphasised the challenges of balancing alliance dynamics with limited cabinet positions.
“We respect our alliance partner and the immense contribution we have made together. Unfortunately, deployment becomes a difficult task to execute, given the limitations of positions of responsibility,” said Chirwa.
Last week Sunday World reported that the SACP in North West was at loggerheads with the ANC’s provincial executive committee over its decision to fire four mayors and redeploy certain members.
