STAFF REPORTER|
ANC Ekurhuleni on Tuesday became the first region in Gauteng to formally endorse the party’s Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile for the position of Deputy President.
This follows the meeting of the Regional Executive Committee (REC) on Tuesday which discussed a number of political and organizational matters, including possible nominations for the ANC’s 55th national conference in December.
Ekurhuleni ANC region also wants its chairperson, Mzwandile Masina, to be the party’s Treasurer-General and ANC NEC member, Nomvula Mokonyane, as Deputy Secretary General.
The regional leadership, however, is silent on who should lead the party at the elective congress, a clear indication that President Cyril Ramaphosa may not receive overwhelming support for re-election from certain branches in Gauteng.
Provinces such as Limpopo, North West, Eastern Cape, Mpumalanga and the Northern Cape have publicly endorsed Ramaphosa for a second-term.
KwaZulu-Natal, the biggest province, is yet to make pronouncements. However, Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Zweli Mkhize are both expected to contest for the position of ANC President.
It remains unclear where the ANC in the Western Cape stands.
Ekurhuleni ANC region is also silent on the future of Premier David Makhura. There is speculation, however, that Gauteng may put up the name of Makhura for the position of Secretary-General when the nominations open.
The REC said it will draw guidance from the provincial leadership on the ‘Presidential Candidate’ and other senior positions.
“The Region will interact with Branches to canvass views without imposing,” the REC’s acting regional secretary Moipone Mhlongo said in a statement.
“The REC will simultaneously be seeking leadership and guidance from the province in relation to the positions we have not resolved on, whilst this remains a process of branches it is imperative that the leadership plays a role to guide, coordinate, lobby, and influence for the emergence of this perspective.”
The ANC will hold its 55th national conference in December, when new leadership will be elected.
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