Friday 2 June 2017 20:56
Tsholofelo Mathibedi
MEC Madoda Sambatha is accused of selling government land illegally.(Madoda Sambatha's Facebook)
The African National Congress (ANC) in the North West has dismissed reports that the axing of Public Works MEC, Madoda Sambatha also South African Communist Party (SACP) Provincial Secretary was influenced by the party's succession battle.
Sambatha was sacked on Thursday night, following allegations that he sold government land illegally. Opposition parties say it is part of a purge of those who speak out against the President Jacob Zuma.
The day Sambatha seemingly broke ranks; this was followed by an endorsement of Cyril Ramaphosa. The North West is believed to be supporting Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma.
However, the provincial government says the move was not politically motivated. It has accused Sambatha of authorising the illegal selling of land in Mafikeng.
"Information at the disposal of the provincial government so far shows that there are portions of land which MEC Sambatha has signed for as if he is the MEC that is responsible for Local Government and Human Settlements when in fact he is the MEC for Public Works and Roads," says North West spokesperson Brian Setswambung.
Sambatha says he was fired for political reasons.
"There is no truth on any accusation of me either being involved in selling land. It is only a political disagreement."
South African National Civic Organisation (Sanco) Provincial Secretary Pakete Seoketso says they believe this was politically motivated and they were never consulted as members of the alliance on the sacking of Sambatha.
Culture, Arts and Traditional Affairs MEC Ontlametse Mochwari will act in Sambatha's portfolio.