DA Gauteng says Refiloe Nt'sekhe must resign

JOHANNESBURG - The Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng says Refiloe Nt'sekhe, the Deputy Speaker in the provincial legislature must tender a resignation.

Nt'sheke is a DA leader who was elected on the back of a tentative agreement between the African National Congress (ANC) and her party to form a government of provincial unity.

However, talks between the two organisations collapsed this week, which saw the ANC announcing a minority government on Wednesday night.

DA provincial leader Solly Msimanga told Eyewitness News for Nt'sekhe to remain the Deputy Speaker, without other party members holding key positions means she won’t get the necessary support in the legislature.

The blue party was eyeing the position of chair of chairs as well as other oversight portfolios.

“Our putting her in that particular position was that we were looking at other legislative positions, including that of chair of chairs and oversight committee chairpersons that would have complimented her role as Deputy Speaker.

“Therefore, if we are not able to play a part in that particular way and have all those other positions, it will not be impactful or purposeful for us to have her in a position where she will not be able to have the support of all these other positions that we have envisioned as part of the package that we were wanting to propose and put in the legislature,” explained Msimanga.

At the same time, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says he will try talk the DA out of recalling Nt’sekhe from her position.

Lesufi has described the DA's decision to want to pull her out as unfortunate.

“It’s unfortunate but I understand that as a political party they have taken a decision, they have to defend that decision.

“The good thing, just something that is still opening a window for opportunity is that we are in partnership with the DA at national level, we are running South Africa together and there’s no way  we can fail to run Gauteng together.”