Former Gauteng premier Mbhazima Shilowa has resigned from the ANC, its spokesperson Jessie Duarte said on Wednesday.
“The resignation letter was delivered last night (Tuesday),” said Duarte.
“He (Shilowa) tendered his resignation to the secretary of the province and apparently he is making an announcement on Wednesday, probably informing us that he is joining a new political party.
“We were expecting it. It’s no surprise to the ANC. We knew he was going to do that,” added Duarte.
She said the ANC was also expecting the resignation of two MECs in Eastern Cape.
“Of course we would be ready to replace them immediately,” said Duarte.
On Monday, the ANC national working committee decided to suspend Mosiuoa Lekota , the former defence minister, and his former deputy, Mluleki George.
Lekota has indicated he may start a new political party, saying the ANC leaders elected at Polokwane last year were deviating from traditional party principles.
This came after the national executive committee (NEC) of the ANC decided to remove former president Thabo Mbeki from office.
The decision was made following a ruling by Judge Chris Nicholson that he could not exclude the possibility of political interference in the move to prosecute ANC leader Jacob Zuma on fraud and corruption charges.
Shilowa and Lekota were among a string of senior ANC members who resigned from their positions out of loyalty to Mbeki.
The NEC meets on Wednesday to discuss Lekota’s suspension.
