ANC rejects 'opportunistic speculation' over Sizani's redeployment

03 March 2016 - 16:22 By Thulani Gqirana
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The African National Congress has rejected claims that there might be more behind Chief Whip Stone Sizani’s redeployment than has been admitted.

Former ANC Cheif Whip Stone Sizani during a debate on President Jacob Zuma's state of the nation address in Parliament.
Former ANC Cheif Whip Stone Sizani during a debate on President Jacob Zuma's state of the nation address in Parliament.
Image: Gallo Images / Nardus Engelbrecht

Sizani’s immediate resignation from Parliament was announced on Wednesday.

He will be moving to Germany as an ambassador.

ANC spokesperson Zizi Kodwa said on Thursday that the party wished Sizani well in his new role in Europe.

"We reject with the contempt they deserve any opportunistic speculation that seek to suggest nefarious reasons behind Comrade Stone Sizani’s redeployment."

Kodwa said the party had exercised its rights to deploy members to other positions.

Sizani would be in training for 10 weeks before taking his up post.

"The ANC is confident that Comrade Stone will discharge his new responsibility with the same tenacity and determination he has consistently displayed as a loyal and dedicated member of the ANC," he said.

He said the party was grateful to Sizani for his distinguished service.

Opposition parties have questioned Sizani’s sudden redeployment, with some speculating that it was due to him not protecting President Jacob Zuma in Parliament.

Cope claimed Sizani was under "heavy pressure" to defend things he did not agree with, which included Nkandla, and had become unpopular as a result.

The Democratic Alliance, on the other hand, claimed that Sizani’s resignation was a sign of schisms within the ANC caucus.

Parties speculated that more MPs would be cut.

Source: News24

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