By Celani Sikhakhane
Willies Mchunu, a former KwaZulu-Natal premier, said false rumours about why he left the ANC are circulating.
He says he didn’t quit because Minister of Agriculture John Steenhuisen removed him from the Agricultural Development Agency board.
Some ANC members have said Mchunu felt the party didn’t protect him from Steenhuisen’s decision.
“My resignation, as stated, was based on political issues that had nothing to do with government,” Mchunu told Scrolla.Africa on Tuesday.
“My contract at the ADA board started in September 2021 and ended on 14 September 2024 as per contractual agreement.”
Mchunu said ANC leaders keep visiting him to understand his decision.
“When I took this decision to leave the ANC, I had already decided … which political party I am willing to work with.
“The only thing left is to complete these meetings with other ANC leaders and then move to that new political home. If that political home rejects me, I might retire completely from politics,” he said.
Mchunu wouldn’t reveal the name of the party he intends to join, but it is widely expected to be the Umkhonto Wesizwe party led by former president Jacob Zuma, his close ally.
His decision surprised his children, who jokingly asked if he’d keep his ANC nickname, “Makhuzemoyizela” (He who admonishes while smiling).
Mchunu says his nickname isn’t tied to the ANC.
The stalwart is still a South African Communist Party member but might resign if the policies of the party he plans to join clash with it.
Pictured above: Former KZN Premier Willies Mchunu and former president Jacob Zuma.
Source: X
