By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The ANC in Nothern Cape has agreed in its provincial executive committee (PEC) meeting on Friday that it will support president Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term.
At its PEC meeting, the Northern Cape leadership nominated all six candidates vying for the second-most powerful position in the party ahead of the national conference in December instead of picking a single contender.
The province has joined Mpumalanga, Limpopo, Gauteng North West and Eastern Cape in endorsing Ramaphosa for a second term.
“This was due to the commitment of the current president to renew and reposition the ANC as an agent for change capable to improve the quality of life for all South Africans,” said Northern Cape ANC in a statement.
The province also submitted a few names for other top six positions, with Paul Mashatile, Oscar Mabuyane, Ronald Lamoa, David Mabuza, Senzo Mchunu and Mmamoloko Kubayi being nominated for the deputy president position.
Gwen Ramokgopa, Fikile Mbalula, Febe Potgieter-Gqubule were selected for the secretary-general position, while Febe Potgieter-Gqubule, Vuyiswa Tulelo and Maropene Ramokgopa’s names being submitted for consideration in the deputy secretary-general position.
Ronald Lamola and Stan Mathabatha’s names were submitted for the treasurer-general position, with Gwede Mantashe being preferred for the national chairperson.
The PEC resolved that it will not endorse any particular slate but will release to the ANC branches a basket of names of prospective candidates to choose from. The branches of the ANC in their Branch General Meetings must have open and rigorous discussion on the suitability of the names. Such discussions will be guided by the urgent strategic task to renew and reposition the ANC, read the statement.