Winnie fired again from post

Winnie fired again from post

JOHANNESBURG (AFP): Winnie Mandela was yesterday fired from her ministerial post for the second time in two weeks by President Nelson Mandela, presidential spokesman Joel Netshitenzhe said.

He fired her on March 27, but reinstated her as deputy minister of arts, culture, science and technology on Wednesday after she sued the government to reverse the sacking she said was unconstitutional.

He fired her again yesterday after moving to close the legal loopholes that had allowed her reinstatement Wednesday, Neshitenzhe said.

Brigitte Mabandla, who briefly stepped down from the government post she took from Mrs. Mandela, resumed office yesterday, the spokesman said.

Mandela re-fired his wife after returning from a Gulf tour Thursday evening, moving swiftly to consult with lawyers and Deputy President Frederik de Klerk and Inkatha Freedom Party leader Mangosuthu Buthelezi.