By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The ANC youth league task team (NYTT) has endorsed the embattled ANC presidential hopeful Zweli Mkhize for party president.
After a contentious debate which ended on Monday morning, the league voted to endorse Mkhize for the ANC presidency, and current treasurer-general Paul Mashatile for deputy president.
Mkhize received 19 votes from the youth league’s temporary leadership, beating Ramaphosa (17) and Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma (4)Mkhize, who has the Digital Vibes scandal hanging over his head, has also been nominated by the Provincial Executive Committee in KwaZulu-Natal.
The ANCYL also endorsed Fikile Mbalula for the secretary-general position, Nomvula Mokonyane as deputy secretary-general, Limpopo Premier Stan Mathabatha as national chairperson, and Pule Mabe as treasurer-general.
Mashatile was unopposed in the vote, but there was a fierce contest between Mathabatha and NEC member David Masondo over the position of chairperson.
Asked why the youth league had decided not to endorse Ramaphosa for a second term, ANCYL NYTT spokesperson Sizophila Mkhize said they did not believe he had lived up to expectations.
Mkhize cited Ramaphosa’s lack of “decisiveness” as the reason why he should not be given another chance to lead the party.
The conclusion of the nomination process on Monday paves the way for the national conference to go ahead from 16 to 20 December in Nasrec, Johannesburg.
The Free State and the Western Cape are the only two remaining provinces of the ANC that have not convened their elective conferences.
While endorsements from ANC provinces might give an indication of which candidates are leading in the party’s leadership race, it’s important to note that branches will ultimately have the final say on who gets nominated and elected for the top posts.
The ANC is expected to consolidate the various nominations starting on 12 November.