Celani Sikhakhane
Lubabalo Madikizela, the MEC for Public Works in the Eastern Cape, will be resigning and going back to the private sector.
Madikizela suffered a defeat at the 9th ANC elective conference when he lost the chairmanship to Oscar Mabuyane on Monday.
Although he made it clear that he accepts the result, he told journalists that he will soon resign from government.
Madikizela was also co-opted as an additional member of the provincial executive committee after his defeat but he soon revealed that he will ask the leadership to release him.
“As soon as the newly elected leadership settles, perhaps as early as next week, I’ll inform them that I’m leaving. I will talk to the Premier to release me as MEC,” he said.
Madikizela was elected as the ANC EC treasurer in 2017.
In 2018 the then premier Phumulo Masualle appointed him to the legislature in Bisho.
After the 2019 general election he was appointed as MEC for Public Works.
Madikizela was once embroiled in a scandal after the company linked to him was accused of corruption.
He was accused by businessman Lonwabo Bam but Madikizela denied allegations and availed himself for a lifestyle audit.
On Monday Mabuyane emphasised the importance of working with Madikizela to strengthen the unity of the ANC in the province.
He even told members that no one should be isolated after this congress as that will be a mistake which will disturb the rendering of services to communities.
This is not the first time the ANC leader chose to go into the private sector.
ANC veteran Tokyo Sexwale quit his political job in Parliament and went back to the private sector after he was defeated in Mangaung during his presidential bid against former president Jacob Zuma.
