ANC in Limpopo reinstates former speaker as MPL
The African National Congress (ANC) in Limpopo has lifted a hastily-imposed suspension against former provincial legislature speaker Merriam Ramadwa in the middle of an internal disciplinary hearing.
Ramadwa was suspended in August in the wake of a political contest between her and Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha.
The feud between Mathabatha and Ramadwa broke out after the former speaker refused to relinquish her post in favour of the current speaker, Polly Boshielo.
Mathabatha’s move was seen as a purge against those who had ascended to senior political positions during his predecessor, Cassel Mathale’s term.
In a statement on Wednesday, ANC provincial secretary Knocks Seabi said the provincial executive committee (PEC) resolved this week to reinstate Ramadwa to the legislature as an ordinary MPL.
“After noting that Comrade Ramadwa has resigned as Speaker of the Limpopo Legislature, PEC took a decision to lift her suspension with immediate effect,” said Seabi.
However, he added that the disciplinary process instituted against her would still continue and the PEC would await a report on the outcome.
Seabi said the details of Ramadwa’s disciplinary proceedings were detailed in her letter of suspension, which remains “privileged information between the ANC and her”. - ANA