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29 September 2008

Following information that the NEC of the ANC had on 20 September 2008 taken the decision to recall Comrade Thabo Mbeki as the President of the Republic of South Africa, I immediately informed the ANC provincial leadership of my intention to resign from my position as the Premier of the Gauteng Province by no later than the end of October 2008. It was agreed that while I reserved the right to do so; it would be prudent if I were to take time to reflect on this matter and not make the decision in haste.

However, following the various reports in today's newspapers, I, this morning informed the Provincial Chairperson of the ANC, Comrade Paul Mashatile that I intended announcing my resignation as the Premier of Gauteng and as a member of the Gauteng Legislature today. I will, also, later today inform the Speaker of the Gauteng Legislature, Comrade Richard Mdakane, of my decision. The resignation will take effect once the ANC has identified a candidate and the Legislature has completed its processes. I will, later today, meet with the Provincial Office Bearers of the ANC to agree on how to manage the transition to minimize any possible disruption to the government's programme of action.

I have not taken the decision to resign lightly. This is more so bearing in mind that my current term of office comes to an end in a few months time. I am resigning due to my conviction that while the ANC has the right to recall any of its deployed cadres; the decision needs to be based on solid facts, be fair and just. I also did not feel that I will be able to, with conviction, publicly explain or defend the NEC’s decision on Comrade Thabo Mbeki.

During my meeting with the ANC leadership this morning, they categorically denied that the ANC PGC had resolved to ask me to refrain from making statements or utterances on the manner relating to Comrade Thabo Mbeki's recall. In any case, such a request would be contrary to the ANC’s ethos of open and transparent debate.

It is a known fact that I hold strong views on the manner of his dismissal, and to pretend otherwise would be disingenuous. I acknowledge and respect the ANC’s right to recall any of its deployed cadres. I am, however, of the view that there was no cogent reason for doing so.

As I prepare to leave office, I take solace in the fact while a lot still has to be done to improve the lives of our people; the foundation for a better Gauteng is firmly in place.

The work done in government so far has begun to impact positively on reversing poverty and inequality, unemployment and underdevelopment and on improving the quality of life of the people of Gauteng. However, developmental challenges still remain.

Our economy continues to grow, contributing immensely to the reduction of poverty and unemployment.

Many people who were previously unemployed now have jobs. Unemployment has decreased from 30,4% in September 2001 to 19,5% in September 2007, according to StatsSA.

Many people who previously lived in poverty are now better off. The drop to 22,6% in the percentage of households living in informal settlements is evidence of this.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the ANC for giving me the opportunity to serve the people of our province. My gratitude goes to Comrade Mbeki who, as president of the ANC, made the appointment even as I had no experience in government.

My gratitude also goes to the various MECs that I have worked with since 1999. Without them, we would not have achieved the many milestones on social and economic issues.

Last, but certainly, not least my gratitude goes to the people of Gauteng who embraced our movement and the government which I had the privilege to lead. Without your support much of what has been achieved would have remained but lofty dreams.

Issued by: Office of the Premier, Gauteng Provincial Government
29 September 2008
Source: Gauteng Provincial Government (http://www.gpg.gov.za)