Jessie Duarte resigns as Chief Operations Officer of The Presidency, April 28 2010

The Presidency wishes to announce that Ms Jessie Duarte has resigned as its Chief Operating Officer. She will leave her position at the end of May 2010 to pursue other interests and give more time to her political work for the African National Congress.

Ms Duarte has 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.

Director-General in The Presidency Mr Vusi Mavimbela said: "We thank Jessie for her contributions to The Presidency. The leadership and experience she brought to the organization have been greatly appreciated and we wish her well in her future endeavours."

Ms Duarte was, prior to joining The Presidency, the spokesperson for the ANC. She has in the past served as a special assistant to Mr Nelson Mandela and was a member of the provincial cabinet in Gauteng. She also served as an ambassador to Mozambique.

A long-time anti-apartheid activist who had lately devoted herself to building an efficient and service delivery oriented public service, Jessie said: "Resigning from The Presidency was a difficult decision. However, I have discussed this with my political principals and am leaving with their blessing."

Statement issued by Deputy Director General: Communications in The Presidency, Mr Vusi Mona, April 28 2010

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