PORT ELIZABETH - DANNY JORDAAN TURNS DOWN JOB AS ANC OPPOSITION LEADER IN PE COUNCIL

SOCCER boss turned politician Danny Jordaan has declined to serve as an opposition mayor in the city council he lost during the recent local government elections.

The ANC’s local leadership told a news conference in the Port Elizabeth-Uitenhage metro that its deputy party leader Bicks Ndoni would take up post of party leader from Jordaan, following his resignation as party leader.

However, ANC regional task team coordinator Beza Ntshona said at a press conference on Monday afternoon that Jordaan was being redeployed to a new position and that was his reason for resigning.

Jordaan would lead a group focusing on upcoming by-elections in Walmer and New Brighton next month.

The ANC is  aiming to increase votes in the southern suburbs and northern areas.

The South African Football Association president lost the Nelson Mandela Bay metro to DA mayor Athol Trollip in the August local government elections, and has been scarce ever since.

Previous ANC administrations in the metro had been accused of years of mismanagement and corruption.

Ntshona said the party had resolved to release Jordaan from his duties in order to start a new strategy for campaigning in the northern areas.

“We want to thank Jordaan for his work‚” Ntshona said.

“Deputy party leader Bicks Ndoni will take up the post of party leader from Jordaan who has resigned as party leader.”

Since the DA-led coalition took over the running of the city‚ Jordaan has missed all three council meetings.

ANC caucus whip councillor Litho Suka told The Herald last month that Jordaan had applied for a month’s leave after being booked off sick.

“Danny is a councillor in the metro. He is not going anywhere‚” Suka said at the time.

VIA - bdlive.co.za