'Mokonyane just a shadow premier'

GAUTENG Premier Nomvula Mokonyane was yesterday described as a "lame duck" who has no power to fight corruption

Democratic Alliance leader in the legislature Jack Bloom yesterday also said Mokonyane was a "shadow premier" with no support from her organisation in the province.

"ANC Gauteng chairperson Paul Mashatile calls the shots on key projects, he can order an executive council reshuffle, and he can protect those who should not be protected," said Bloom.

He was responding to Mokonyane's speech during the presentation of her R217million budget speech.

Mokonyane said: "We have put measures in place and strategies to combat corruption based on a shared vision of a corruption-free and ethical society."

But Bloom said Mokonyane had not taken decisive action against corrupt officials because she was powerless. Sources in the province said Mokonyane was stopped by the ANC in the province from making an appearance in Tshiawelo, Soweto, after a councillor's house was burnt by residents last week.

Instead, newly elected City of Johannesburg mayor Parks Tau accompanied police commissioner General Bheki Cele and local government and housing MEC Humphrey Mmemezi.

Mokonyane was apparently also snubbed by health MEC Ntombi Mekgwe when she went to investigate the alleged incidents of sabotage by staff at Chris Hani-Baragwanath Hospital on Tuesday. Mekgwe made a brief appearance and left without joining Mokonyane for the entire tour of the hospital.

ANC provincial spokes-person Dumisa Ntuli refused to comment and referred Sowetan to ANC secretary David Makhura and member of the PEC Nat Kekana. Neither were available for comment.