PHUTI MOSOMANE
KWAZULU-NATAL has once again become the biggest losers at another ANC’s national elective conference after failing to get a spot on the party’s top seven officials.
The biggest ANC province campaigned strongly for former Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize to take over as President.
In 2017, KZN unsuccessfully campaigned for ANC veteran Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma.
The last top six officials from the province include Mkhize and President Jacob Zuma, who was first elected in 2007 and re-elected in 2012 in Mangaung, Free State.
Supporters of Zuma heckled Ramaphosa during his opening speech at the conference.
Reacting to the outcome of the conference, Police Minister Bheki Cele said ANC KZN must self-introspect about the outcome of the national conference.
“I must admit that we are not behaving good as KZN. We must do self-introspection before we blame anyone else. Now we do not have anyone from KZN represented in the top seven,” he said.
Cele said there was an agreement with the provincial leadership to sit down and talk.
“What the delegates did was ugly, but I am glad that both the secretary, and chairperson intervened and all was okay,” he said, adding that the focus will now be on the renewal of the party.
Cele said he always knew that ANC delegates are sober, and said he always knew Ramaphosa would win.
Ramaphosa received 2,476 votes compared to Dr. Zweli Mkhize’s 1,897.
KZN provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo encouraged all ANC members to respect the outcomes of the elections.
“The conference was not factionalised. This was one of the smoothest conferences of the ANC. There was no tension. The campaign was good. I enjoyed it. There is nothing that could have been done better as the branches have spoken and we must respect that,” Mtolo said.
He said it’s no longer about choices, it’s a matter of discipline.
“We came to this conference well aware that there are two choices – either President Ramaphosa or Zweli Mkhize wins or loses. Now we have the top seven leaders. We are moving forward and we will surprise you.”
Mtolo said the party will go into the 2024 national and provincial elections more united.
By far, KZN is the ANC’s biggest province with 128 811 members in good standing, followed by Limpopo (116 863), and the Eastern Cape (109 272).
Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, who was contesting the position of Deputy President against Oscar Mabuyane and Paul Mashatile, said he welcomed the outcome of the elections.
“It was now a moment to defend and advance the gains of freedom, and unity through renewal,” he said.
Mabuyane said Ramaphosa’s win was victory for the entire country, not just for a faction in the ANC.
“We must instil a culture of discipline in the ANC. We must implement what the President’s political report proposed on renewal,” Mabuyane said.
Former ANC Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile secured enough votes to be declared deputy President of the party.
“I am humbled and honoured by the confidence shown in me by members of the African National Congress who have elected me for the position of ANC Deputy President,” Mashatile said.
Outgoing spokesperson Pule Mabe, who lost to Gwen Ramokgopa for the position of Treasurer-General, urged party members to rally behind the new leadership.
Overall, delegates remained calm following the announcements of the 55th national conference by party electoral chairperson, Kgalema Motlanthe.
INSIDE POLITICS
