Duarte resigns from Presidency

By Ofentse Mokae
28 April 2010

The Presidency announced this afternoon that Jessie Duarte has resigned as its Chief Operating Officer.

Presidency head of communication, Vusi Mona says Duarte will leave her position at the end of May in order to pursue other interests as well as give more time to political work within the African National Congress.

Mona says Duarte a former Gauteng MEC, contributed immensely in stabilizing the administration of the Presidency.

“The organizational restructuring that The Presidency has undergone can largely be attributed to her work and vision as guided by the Union Building’s political principals,” Mona says in a statement.

Presidency Head Vusi Mavimbela expressed their appreciation to her work and expressed their gratitude.

“We thank Jessie for her contributions to the Presidency, the leadership and experience she brought to the organisation have been greatly appreciated and we wish her well in her future endeavours,” Mavimbela said.

Also in the statement Duarte says her decision to leave the Presidency was not an easy one.

“Resigning from the Presidency was a difficult decision. However, I have discussed this with my political principals and am leaving with their blessing.”

Before joining the Presidency, Duarte served as ANC spokesperson and as special assistant to former president Nelson Mandela.

She has also served as South African ambassador to Mozambique.