Didiza deserts Tshwane for parly

28 August 2016 - 02:00 By THABO MOKONE

Defeated ANC mayoral candidate for Tshwane Thoko Didiza has returned to Cape Town to her job as a senior MP after refusing to lead the opposition in the capital city's metropolitan council. Didiza had been willing to be the executive mayor of Tshwane after her candidature was endorsed by the ANC's national and Gauteng provincial leadership ahead of that of ousted mayor Kgosientso Ramokgopa.With the party having been defeated by a DA-led coalition, many expected her to assume the position of opposition leader.The Sunday Times has learnt that at the recent lekgotla of the ANC's national executive committee, Didiza was told she was expected to lead the party's caucus in Tshwane, a job that pays almost R1-million less than her position as house chairwoman of the National Assembly.Officials who worked closely with her during the election campaign said Didiza had been told she would be deployed to a state-owned enterprise as a board member in a bid to augment the massively reduced salary that awaited her in the city council.But the defeated mayoral candidate was not impressed with this and opted to return to her job in parliament.As parliamentary house chairwoman, Didiza also enjoys other special perks, including a designated driver and a house provided by the state in Cape Town.Upon resuming her duties in parliament this week, Didiza flew to Mauritius to attend a conference of the Commonwealth Women Parliamentarians organisation, at which she was elected Africa region chairwoman. She could not be reached for comment.Ramokgopa, who is also the ANC's Tshwane regional chairman, did not respond to calls and texts requesting his comment on the matter.ANC Gauteng chairman Paul Mashatile was not available for comment...

There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.

From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.

For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.

Already subscribed? Sign in below.



Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.