With the nominations of ANC candidates officially opened yesterday, ANC Spokesperson Pule Mabe has announced few changes to the ruling party's traditional way of doing things, stating that candidates vying for the top five positions, including the national executive committee, were allowed to campaign for themselves and even to address branches openly. Mabe made these interesting revelations during a press conference which was meant to be addressed by the ANC Treasurer General and acting Secretary General Paul Mashatile. Traditionally, ANC candidates vying for any of the top positions, including the NEC, were barred from campaigning for themselves and or even pronouncing their availability to contest for any position.
KEEPING UP WITH NEW TRENDS
Mabe said in keeping with the new trends, candidates would now be allowed to run social media campaigns and even to make presentations to branches as to why they should be considered for any of the top positions including NEC nominations and ultimately elections. These developments would benefit those candidates who are interested in running for elections, including those without big budgets that are always counted among the most important in running a successful campaign. Currently, the race for the ANC Presidency appears to between current President Cyril Ramaphosa, who will be seeking a second term, disgraced former Minister of Health Zweli Mkhize, and another surprise act. According to ANC insiders it is likely to be ANC Treasurer General, Paul Mashatile, who is a favourite for the post of Deputy President on Ramaphosa's slate.
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GOING FOR A GENERATIONAL MIX
Though it's not clear, where the current Deputy President David Mabuza stands, senior ANC leaders suggest that the 'cat' should not be discounted from the race, and might even make a serious move for the presidency. With new calls for generational mix in the top six structures gaining momentum, Former ANCYL Deputy President and Minister of Justice Ronald Lamola's name is also gaining traction for the Deputy President position, alongside that of current Minister of Human Settlements Mamoloko Kubayi. Another surprise act for the Deputy President position is Eastern Cape Premier and ANC Chairperson Oscar Lubabalo Mabuyane, a staunch supporter and ally of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Those close to the provincial leader believe that he might make a serious claim to the post due to his huge support and numbers coming from the province. These, they say might happen during last minute horse trading where provinces are laying to positions to participate in factions that could end up as winners of the conference earmarked to start on the 16 December 2022 at Nasrec Conference Centre in Johannesburg.
ROAD TO ELECTIVE CONFERENCE
Other names that are bandied about in the ANC corridors include the name of Mdumiseni Ntuli, who is believed to be urged by branches in home province of KwaZulu Natal to gun for the Secretary General position.Gauteng Premier and former Provincial Chairperson David Makhura is also believed to be in the running for the Secretary General post. Limpopo ANC Provincial Executive Committee already made its stance known that it wants President Cyril Ramaphosa to come back for second term as the national leader, and they want him to be deputised by Paul Mashatile. The province has also put forward the name of its Provincial Chairperson and Premier Stanley Chupu Mathabatha for the position of Chairperson. The North West Province and Northern Cape have also called for Ramaphosa to come back for a second term, but they have not clarified their stance on the remaining top six positions
