ANC labels Balindlela a 'political liability'

The ANC says it is dismayed at the claim made by the Democratic Alliance and Nosimo Balindlela that she was an NEC member of the ANC.

The ANC says Nosimo Balindlela has never been an NEC member of the ANC.

'In terms of party leadership, the furthest that she rose in leadership terms was being a regional chairperson of the ANC and the PEC of ANCWL in the Eastern Cape, and set in the PEC as an Ex-officio member by virtue of being the Premier of the Eastern Cape.'

'Secondly Nosimo has never been a member of the ANC since 2008 when she joined the Congress of the People (COPE).'

The ANC says it is misleading to associate Balindlela with the ANC as she was a Cope member before joining the DA.

'It is typical of the DA to use cheap propaganda to create hype over nothing. It is a known factor that Balindlela was the least effective Premier in the Eastern Cape hence she was recalled.'

'If there is anything that the DA has netted is a political liability that will further alienate the party in the Eastern Cape.'

Earlier DA leader Helen Zille said, 'today, on behalf of the DA, I am delighted to welcome Nosimo Balindlela into our ranks,'

Balindlela resigned her Congress of the People membership and her seat in the National Assembly.

She would sign a Democratic Alliance membership form and receive her membership card from DA Eastern Cape provincial leader, Athol Trollip.

Zille said she had known Balindlela for many years "as a person of integrity". It was clear "she is someone with the core values that will take this country forward".