CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA SEPTEMBER 07: Ad hoc Committee Chairwoman Dr. Makhosi Khoza speaks during the National Assembly debate on September 07, 2016 in Cape Town, South Africa. Amongst other things discussed was the appointment of the new public protector, of which advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebanes name has been put forward. (Photo by Gallo Images […]
CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA SEPTEMBER 07: Ad hoc Committee Chairwoman Dr. Makhosi Khoza speaks during the National Assembly debate on September 07, 2016 in Cape Town, South Africa. Amongst other things discussed was the appointment of the new public protector, of which advocate Busisiwe Mkhwebanes name has been put forward. (Photo by Gallo Images […]
ANC Chief Whip Jackson Mthembu says the party have received a directive to kick her off the parliamentary committee, following her vocal opposition of Jacob Zuma.
She will still remain as an MP, but that’s still depending on the upcoming disciplinary she faces for ‘bringing the party into disrepute’.
The move signals the first wielding of Jacob Zuma’s axe since last week’s vote of no confidence, where 30-40 ANC members voted against him in the secret ballot.
Makhosi Khoza removed
In the last 10 days, President Zuma has hinted he would be taking action to ‘punish those’ who do not support him, and were vocal about their lack of confidence in his leadership.
Along with Derek Hanekom, Mondli Gungubele and Pravin Gordhan, Khoza had openly expressed that she would ‘vote with her conscience’ at the ballot box. She hasn’t toned down her fierce opposition of the president either.
Watch: ‘I will never stop fighting’ – Dr Khoza in tears as she continues to fight corruption
Just this week, she addressed the media in Joburg to declare she’ll never stop fighting against ANC corruption. Yesterday, she wrote an article for the Huffington Post detailing why she is ‘at war’ with her own party.
In a press release, Mthembu officially blames “the irretrievable breakdown of relations between herself and ANC members of the committee” for her removal:
“The irretrievable breakdown of relations arises from her public utterances preceding the motion of no confidence vote in Jacob Zuma and her continued public attacks of ANC leadership. These attacks have alienated her from ANC MPs within her committee.”
“The erosion of trust in her as a chairperson of that committee has lead to acrimonious verbal exchanges between her and the rest of the group. The decision to relieve her as the chair comes after numerous failed attempts to council her on her behaviour.”
Is Makhosi Khosa still an MP?
Though Khoza remains an ANC MP, she has the threat of disciplinary action still looming over her. Judging by Mthembu’s comments, it would seem all differences at this point are irreconcilable.
One thing’s for sure. Should it come to an exit, Dr Khoza will not be going quietly.
