The African National Congress (ANC) on Thursday said it “wishes to express its sincere gratitude” to the outgoing Chief Whip in Parliament, Stone Sizani, for his distinguished service.
Sizani resigned as ANC Chief Whip and MP on Wednesday to take up his new post as South African ambassador to Germany.
“Comrade Sizani has served the organisation and the people of the Republic of South Africa with diligence and commitment, providing outstanding leadership to the Caucus of the ANC in Parliament,” said ANC national spokesman, Zizi Kodwa.
“We wish Comrade Sizani well as he prepares to take up his new role in a diplomatic posting in Europe.”
On Wednesday DA Chief Whip John Steenhuisen claimed Sizani’s resignation was a clear sign of growing rifts within the ANC caucus, which he claimed was “collapsing under the weight of President Zuma’s maligned presidency”.
Steenhuisen said for the past three years, Sizani has been forced to make a career of “defending the indefensible in Parliament at President Zuma’s behest”.
However, Kodwa responded: “We reject with the contempt they deserve any opportunistic speculation that seek to suggest nefarious reasons behind Comrade Stone Sizani’s redeployment”.
Kodzwa said the ANC had exercised its right to deploy its cadres to positions where it deems fitting and necessary. He said Sizani would immediately begin his training towards his diplomatic posting.
“The ANC is confident that Comrade Stone will discharge his new responsibility with the same tenacity and determination he has consistently displayed as a loyal and dedicated member of the African National Congress,” said Kodwa.
– African News Agency (ANA)
