Limpopo Premier Cassel Mathale has removed certain officials from their posts for allegedly being against him

THE purging of Limpopo Premier and ANC chairman Cassel Mathale antagonists continued this week with legislature deputy speaker Miriam Ramadwa being recalled.

Portfolio committee on road and transport chairman Kennedy Midiyavhathu Tshivhase was also removed.

Ramadwa was among the ANC members who supported Arts and Culture Deputy Minister Joe Phaahla, who challenged Mathale in a December conference but lost.

Also demoted are Scopa member Jack Matlala, former ANC Youth League leader and petition committee chairman Lehlonolo Masoga, former MEC Machuene Semenya and portfolio committee chairwoman Thandi Morake.

The move comes nearly a week after Mathale fired MECs for health Dikeledi Magadzi, safety and security George Phadagi, sports, arts and culture Joyce Mashambe and demoted agriculture MEC Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba.

Ramadwa confirmed that she was no longer a deputy speaker.

Masoga became unpopular when he contested candidates backed by expelled ANC Youth League president Julius Malema and Mathale in Makhado in 2009.

An insider from the ANC said those who opposed Mathale were being targeted.

"They are not working on the unity of the organisation. The same was done when Sello Moloto was defeated at University of Venda. His supporters were sent into the wilderness."

The source added that even those who were not in government positions were being sidelined.

ANC spokesman Makonde Mathivha dismissed the claims.