By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Cyril Ramaphosa says the nomination process for the upcoming 55th National Elective Conference (NEC) in December will be a democratic one that will see legitimate leaders elected to serve the party.
Speaking to the media in Delmas, Mpumalanga during the ANC’s Letsema campaign on Saturday, Ramaphosa said he anticipates a peaceful nomination process.
“The 4,000 or so branches of the ANC will get involved in the nominations of those they would like to see in the leadership of [the party] at the national conference. We don’t anticipate and there won’t be any form of disruptions [or] violence.
“It’s going to be an orderly process in line with the democratic culture of the ANC. It’s going to be very dignified and it’s also going to be a celebration of what the ANC is about, “he said.
Ramaphosa further pointed out that the outcome of ANC’s national policy conference, held at the Nasrec Expo Centre in July, proved naysayers wrong.
“We held a very successful policy conference which many people had predicted it will be disrupted and would end in disarray [but] we were able to live up to what the ANC is about.
“Now we will go into branches… the provinces will also meet and thereafter the PGCs [Provincial General Councils] will meet [before heading] to the national conference,” the ANC president added.
ANC’s Letsema Campaign was launched on April 23rd 2022 in Mangaung and is aimed at placing structures of the ANC at the forefront of resolving community challenges, including service delivery and social inclusion.
With all roads leading to the ANC’s national elective conference in December, Ramaphosa rolled up his sleeves to fix roads and pick up litter as part of the Letsema campaign.
Ramaphosa also commented on those who suggest that the ANC will get below 50% of the votes in the 2024 national elections.
“Part of this Letsema campaign is to make sure we get ready and prepare for the 2024 elections. I know there are people saying the ANC will dip below 50%, but those are just dreams. They are dreaming… that’s just wishful thinking,” Ramaphosa added.
Ramaphosa meanwhile was strongly endorsed for a second term by ANC members in Mpumalanga during a political engagement ahead of the opening of nominations for ANC leadership.
Ramaphosa’s last stop was an engagement with party members and supporters at a local stadium, where he received much support and affection.
Those gathered sang songs that more than sealed their backing for the ANC leader.
The most popular tune included the lyrics “Ramaphosa we are walking with you”, which supporters sang while gesturing with their arms raised to a sign resembling the horns of Ankole cattle, which the president is famed to own.
The venue was packed with people who viewed Ramaphosa as the only man that could take the ANC forward beyond the December national conference.
Former ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize and national executive committee (NEC) member Lindiwe Sisulu are vying for the governing party’s presidency.