Pretoria - The Presidency on Wednesday announced the resignation of Jessie Duarte 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," the Presidency said in a statement.
Director-General in the Presidency Vusi Mavimbela thanked Duarte 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."
The long-time anti-apartheid activist, who had devoted herself to building an efficient and service delivery oriented public service, said it was a difficult decision.
"Resigning from the Presidency was a difficult decision. However, I have discussed this with my political principals and am leaving with their blessing," Duarte said.
Prior to joining the Presidency, Duarte was the spokesperson for the ANC. She has in the past served as a special assistant to Nelson Mandela and was a member of the provincial cabinet in Gauteng. She also served as an ambassador to Mozambique
