Modise addresses ANC 'exit'

DEFENCE and Military Veterans Minister Thandi Modise has refuted claims that she is leaving the ANC.

Modise, who is the party's National Executive Member, said she is not planning to leave the party ever, no matter what happens in the ANC.

This comes after rumours that she has dumped the ANC and resigned from the cabinet to join uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party.

The rumours were sparked by an article found on Opera News Hub, published on the 27 February 2024.

The minister said she is extremely appalled and disgusted by what can merely be described as fake "news" reports that she has resigned from her position.

Modise said she categorically rejects any resignation claims or any insinuation that she harbours ambitions to leave the ANC to join any other political party.

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"I remain a loyal and disciplined member of the African National Congress, a party that has been my political home since the early 1970s."

"I equally remain a committed servant of the South African people, having served as Member of Parliament in the first parliament from 1994, the Speaker of the North West Legislature, the deputy secretary-general of the ANC, the premier of the North West province, chairperson of the National Council of Provinces, the Speaker of the National Assembly and currently the Minister of Defence and Military Veterans," she said.

Modise said she has full confidence in the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC collective.

The minister further said she sees these reports as barbaric acts of wedge drivers who are hell-bent at undermining the unity of the ANC and creating instability in government.

She said she is currently seized with her government responsibilities as assigned by Ramaphosa and continues to serve in the National Executive Committee of the ANC, which is engaged in an intensive campaign for an outright victory in the upcoming national general elections.