Tau parks.
Sandile Ndlovu, Gallo Images, Sowetan, archive
- Former Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau, who is said to have resigned as MPL, has been replaced as chair of the finance committee.
- Tau is one of several ANC leaders who have resigned from national and provincial legislature seats in the past week as the ANC reconfigures its party lists.
- The ANC and President Cyril Ramaphosa have consciously indicated that a cabinet reshuffle would take place.
While there is still much speculation about when President Cyril Ramaphosa will announce a cabinet reshuffle, former Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau has been replaced as chairman of the Gauteng legislature’s finance committee.
The legislature has yet to confirm his resignation as MPL, but he was said to have resigned last week.
Tau served as chairman of the finance committee.
The interim president of the legislature, Nomvuyo Mhlakaza-Manamela, appointed ANC member Mpapa Kanyane as interim president effective 1 February.
Tau is said to have resigned last week amid the resignations of two ANC lawmakers.
It is speculated that Tau could return to the national government as a minister and deputy.
On Monday, Parliament Speaker Moloto Mothapo announced the resignation of MPs Mervyn Dirks and Tshilidzi Munyai.
The KwaZulu-Natal legislature also saw the resignation of former Prime Minister Sihle Zikalala.
READ | Two ANC MPs resign amid talks over impending cabinet reshuffle by Ramaphosa
The series of resignations was part of the ANC’s reconfiguration of its provincial party lists, its secretary general, Fikile Mbalula, recently told the media.
The ANC has remained mum on when Ramaphosa would announce a reshuffle, but the party had indicated this would happen soon.
The leadership changes follow the ANC’s national conference in December, where former general treasurer Paul Mashatile was elected vice-president. He replaced David Mabuza.
The ANC said it believed party leaders should align themselves with government displays.
Mashatile is expected to be sworn in as an MP, paving the way for his appointment as the country’s vice president.
News24 previously reported that Mabuza informed Ramaphosa of his intention to resign.
Mabuza has already distanced himself from ANC meetings.
He did not attend the lekgotla national executive committee over the weekend.
