Cape Town – ActionSA Gauteng chairperson Bongani Baloyi on Monday resigned from the party after citing ‘irreconcilable differences’ between himself and party leader, Herman Mashaba.
Baloyi alleged that Mashaba called him into a meeting last week and told him that he did not trust Baloyi and could no longer work with him, News24 reported.
“Mashaba said there were irreconcilable differences between us and could no longer work with me. He also said he had problems with how I have been managing the province,” the report quoted Baloyi as saying.
He added that Mashaba said he wished to remove him as Gauteng chairperson and appoint him as ActionSA’s national spokesperson, however, Baloyi asked for time to process this request.
According to TimesLIVE, Baloyi blamed Mashaba’s bodyguard, Bafana Mthimkhulu, for his strained relationship with him. He said that Mashaba was influenced by Mthimkhulu’s allegations that he was on the payroll of former party member Abel Tau.
He added that Mashaba said he wished to remove him as Gauteng chairperson and appoint him as ActionSA’s national spokesperson, however, Baloyi asked for time to process this request.
Baloyi said he decided to resign after consulting leaders in Tshwane and Johannesburg.
“Leaders were upset and confused, but ultimately they were of a view that we don’t believe that you are still needed in this party because how do you remain in this party when the president says he doesn’t trust you and the relationship is beyond repair but still wants to appoint you closer to him?” the report quoted Baloyi as saying.
The party confirmed Baloyi’s departure in a statement, saying that it and Baloyi agreed to go their separate ways following a meeting between ActionSA president and him.
“While it is evident that irreconcilable differences exist between Baloyi and ActionSA’s national leadership, these issues relate to differences arising from the running of the province. Various media reports over the weekend are noted for conveying a number of inaccuracies.” ActionSA said.
ActionSA said Mashaba offered the mantle of National Spokesperson, a senior national position within ActionSA which is automatically represented on ActionSA’s Senate, but Baloyi declined this offer.
The party’s national leadership thanked Baloyi for his service and wished him well.
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Compiled by Olwethu Mpeshe
