Lungisa using delaying tactics‚ says Eastern Cape ANC Mabuyane

22 March 2017 - 16:23 By Zine George
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National Youth Development Agency chairman Andile Lungisa.
National Youth Development Agency chairman Andile Lungisa.
Image: ELIZABETH SEJAKE

ANC Eastern Cape provincial secretary Oscar Mabuyane has accused Andile Lungisa of using delaying tactics by refusing to resign‚ pointing out he that he was advised as early as the beginning of 2016 not to contest the post of Metro regional leader.

This follows a letter Mabuyane wrote to Lungisa on Monday‚ giving him until Thursday to resign as Nelson Mandela Metro chairman.

But in a strongly-worded letter addressed to secretary-general Gwede Mantashe‚ Lungisa declared that only the national executive committee (NEC) has powers to remove him from office.

Mabuyane confirmed on Wednesday the ultimatum. "We advised him as far back as early 2016 when the Metro was due for conference. At the time he said‚ branch nominations were just that".

  • ANC's Lungisa gets an ultimatum from top sixNewly elected Nelson Mandela Bay regional chairman Andile Lungisa has until the end of Thursday to resign or face disciplinary action‚ the ANC’s Eastern Cape bosses have instructed. 

"The excuse of constitutional issues from him is a new thing. He is just twisting and turning things for no reason‚" said Mabuyane.

In the letter‚ the contents of which Lungisa would not discuss with the Dispatch‚ he wrote‚ "In order to ensure that there is no misunderstanding‚ I will step down from the position of the chairperson should I be advised to do so pursuant to the decision of the NEC".

"At this point in time‚ it is our understanding that the matter is still pending before the NEC‚ and as such the elected leadership shall be remaining in its position‚" added Lungisa.

  • Zuma called to order after backing errant LungisaPresident Jacob Zuma has been called to order by the ANC’s leadership after he publicly supported Andile Lungisa as the party’s chairperson in Nelson Mandela Bay. 

This comes three weeks after Mantashe wrote a letter to Lungisa informing him that he had reported him to the national disciplinary committee and the NEC after he went against the SG’s advice not to contest as the Metro regional chairman position three weeks ago.

Mantashe’s reasons for instituting disciplinary action against Lungisa related to allegations of flouting the ANC’s constitution as Lungisa is an elected provincial executive committee member‚ and that‚ he was not supposed to contest for a position in a junior level while serving in a supervisory structure.

But Lungisa is adamant that no one is barred from contesting any leadership position when in good standing‚ according to the ANC’s very own constitution.

- TMG Digital/DispatchLIVE

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