HotNews has reliably learnt that Eastern Cape Premier, Phumulo Masualle, has decided to lift the suspension of the controversial Transport Head of Dept Irene Mpolweni, much to the chagrin of the department’s political head, Weziwe Tikana.

Mpolweni was placed on “precautionary suspension for gross incompetence” on 22 February following several embarrassing incidents, chief amongst which was the closure of the Mthatha Airport for not meeting basic safety measures.

In what many provincial leaders with detailed knowledge of the matter have described as “the usual Masualle indecisiveness”, the Premier has lifted Mpolweni’s suspension, citing in his letter that the Mthatha Airport matter was not serious enough to warrant a suspension.

It was not immediately clear as to what had led to this change of mind since the last address to the provincial legislature during the debate on the State of the Province Address where Masualle had proudly proclaimed that he was taking action against “grossly incompetent” officials and would soon suspend an HOD.

Sources close to MEC Weziwe Tikana have confirmed that Masualle wrote to the MEC and informed her of his decision to lift the suspension. Tikana has reportedly stood her ground and refused to accept the HOD back into office as she believes that “the working relationship is irrevocably broken” and Mpolweni’s return may “undo the great strides achieved during her absence”.

It remains to be seen what Masualle’s next step will be should Tikana dig her heels and refuse to work with Mpolweni.

A member of the ANC’s Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) who also serves on the Provincial Deployment Committee spoke to HotNews on condition of anonymity as she is not mandated to speak to the media on the matter. “Masualle is playing with fire. He know where we stand on this matter but deliberately shows us the middle finger”, said the PEC member.

“We are busy with election work to ensure a decisive victory for the ANC and none of our leaders are supposed to create any controversy at this critical stage. This Mpolweni issue is a diversion from what we are charged with focussing on”, said another clearly incensed PEC member.

Mpolweni and Massuale could not be reached at the time of writing. Tikana referred enquiries to the Office of the Premier.