Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Eyaaz
Published on 2024-03-12 14:15:42
The African National Congress (ANC) has released its national and provincial candidate lists for the upcoming general elections on May 29, and it spells the end of the road for some big names within the party. Former health minister Zweli Mkhize, former social development minister Bathile Dlamini, and former eThekwini mayor Zandile Gumede have all been excluded from the lists.
On the other hand, KwaZulu-Natal ANC chairperson Siboniso Duma and Limpopo chair Stan Mathabatha have secured top spots on the provincial and national lists, indicating their potential to be elected into parliament. Duma topped the list in KwaZulu-Natal, followed by MEC for health Nomagugu Simelane. Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube appeared further down the list at number 31. Despite being expelled from the party, Mervyn Dirks managed to secure the 44th position on the KwaZulu-Natal list.
In Limpopo, health MEC Phophi Ramathuba claimed the number one spot on the province’s list, positioning her as a potential candidate for the next premier if the ANC emerges victorious in the elections. Florence Radzilani, the provincial deputy chairperson also in contention for the premier position, is placed further down on the list.
During the 2022 ANC elective conference, Radzilani caused controversy by publicly declaring support for Zweli Mkhize over Cyril Ramaphosa as the party’s presidential candidate. This move was met with opposition from the provincial executive committee, stating that Radzilani did not have the mandate to make such a decision.
In the North West, incumbent ANC chairperson Nono Maloyi did not feature on either the provincial or national lists. Maloyi has faced allegations of causing division within the party’s structures and purging those who did not support him in the provincial conference. Sello Lehari, North West’s current MEC for community safety and transport management, claimed the top spot on the provincial list, with Collen Maine, the former ANC Youth League president also making the cut.
In the Eastern Cape, provincial ANC Women’s League chair Ntandokazi Capa secured the first position on the provincial list, while Premier Oscar Mabuyane’s placement at fifth indicates a potential shift in his support within the province. Panyaza Lesufi, the Gauteng chair, topped the province’s list, with Mbali Hlophe and Bandile Masuku also making significant placements on the list.
Western Cape provincial chair Vuyiso “JJ” Tyhalisisu failed to secure a spot on the provincial and national lists, while Ayanda Bans, the provincial deputy secretary, claimed the top spot on the list. In the Free State, Northern Cape, and Mpumalanga, the chairs Mxolisi Dukwana, Zamani Saul, and Mandla Ndlovu respectively, topped their provinces’ candidate lists.
The ANC’s candidate lists reflect a mix of new faces and established leaders, setting the stage for a competitive election season ahead.
Read the original article on Mail & Guardian
