INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPERS
Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale. Photo: Boxer Ngwenya
Embattled Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale, a wealthy businessman, has come under renewed pressure to resign or relinquish his private business interests.
Cosatu and the SA Communist Party this week reiterated their call for Mathale to step down. But Mathale’s detractors want to replace him with another businessman – Deputy Minister of Arts and Culture Joe Phaahla.
The two leaders will stand against each other for the ANC provincial chairmanship in the elective conference that kicks off on Friday at the University of Limpopo in Mankweng.
If elected, Phaahla, who enjoys the backing of President Jacob Zuma, stands a good chance of replacing Mathale as premier.
His prospects have been heightened by the cabinet’s decision to place five provincial government departments under national administration due to financial and governance concerns. The decision has cast doubt on Mathale’s leadership.
The two rivals have defended their constitutional right to be in business and hold public office at the same time.
On Wednesday, Phaahla echoed a sentiment Mathale has expressed publicly.
“I don’t agree that anybody in public office can’t manufacture furniture and sell to the public,” said Phaahla.
“What most of us think is a problem is for me to be deputy minister of arts and culture and then do business with the same department or any other national department.”
Phaahla revealed that he held a directorship at Xclurox (Pty) Ltd. But the company had not conducted business.
Phaahla also holds shares in Batho Bonke Capital, an empowerment consortium that has ties with the Mvela Group.
He said he had resigned his directorship of seven other companies, including Siyaya Mining, which is being liquidated. He is also a trustee of the Ingwe Family Trust.
His rival Mathale is listed in the Companies and Intellectual Property Commission records as an active director of 13 companies. He has resigned as director of eight separate companies.
Mathale initially refused to comment, but later, his spokeswoman, Mashadi Mathosa, phoned The Star to say the premier does not do business with the government.
Joe Mathebula, another aspirant for the premiership position, has various business interests.
Mathebula will stand against Mathale, his business partner, when he seeks to be Phaahla’s deputy chairman.
Mathebula is listed as an active director of 22 companies.
Mathale and Mathebula are also co-directors of Manaka Property Investments, even though Mathebula wants to topple Mathale.
Mathebula defended his business relationship with his political rival Mathale.
“I and Mathale have known each other for many years; we come from the same generation,” said Mathebula.
Analyst Steven Friedman said
: “Very often people look for things that aren’t there. This is not a power struggle.”
He said delegates attending the meeting were well versed in politics and knew what they were doing.
“I think Zuma would be happy if Mathale is elected. Why assume that people will vote against him (Mathale) ?” Friedman asked. – The Star
Taken from:
Business as usual for Limpopo ANC leaders