Issued by: SA Communication Service
PREMIER DIPICO's REACTION - NATIONAL PARTY (NP) WITHDRAWAL IN THE ANC HELD PROVINCIAL GOVERNMENTS
The National Party (NP) decision to withdraw from the ANC held Provincial Governments, and the Northern Cape in particular is regretted. It is also regrettable that just a few weeks ago, when I reshuffled the Provincial Cabinet, they (NP) had indicated that they are putting forward their best candidates to serve in the Provincial Cabinet as a sign of commitment and dedication to serving the province and its people. Clearly their decision contradicts this notion. There hasn't been sufficient commitment on the part of the NP to do something for the country. Their withdrawal will not impact negatively on the running of this province and its programmes. We are confident and will be continuing in the course to contribute positively to the growth and development of this province, the country and its people.
The electorate that elected the NP in this province in particular, should be feeling let down and betrayed by this decision. Their apparent lack of consultation on such an important matter smacks of arrogance on the part of the political leadership of the NP. We would have assumed they will have canvassed their members on the matter before taking such a serious decision that has serious implications for their party. We hope their withdrawal is in the interest of the province and its people. It will be regrettable if theirs is a petty party political decision based on the notion of confrontation and destructive politicking.
We will set in motion a process to deal with the ramification of this action very soon. A series of consultations will be held within the ANC soon.
Contact person : Chris Matihako Office of the Premier - Communications Directorate Northern Cape Provincial Government
Date : 15 May 1996
Tel. : 0531 - 814760 (o/h) 083 255 8804 (cell)