By OBAKENG MAJE
The ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) in Northern Cape has endorsed Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term. The ANC spokesperson in the province, Thabo Mothibi said the resolution was taken during a special PEC meeting on Friday.
According to Mothibi, the aim of the meeting was to reflect on the preparation for the forthcoming 55th ANC National Elective Conference scheduled to take place in December 2022.
“Consequently, the PEC had to reflect on the ongoing discussion in the ANC and the country about the possible leadership line-up. So, the PEC resolved that, it will not endorse any particular slate but will release a basket of names to the ANC branches to choose from.
“The branches of the ANC must have an open and rigorous discussion during their Branch General Meetings (BGMs) on the suitability of the names. Such discussions will be guided by the urgent strategic task to renew and reposition the ANC,” he said.
Mothibi said, they have nominated a few individuals like Paul Mashatile, Oscar Mabuyane, Ronald Lamola, David “DD” Mabuza, Senzo Mchunu, and Mmamoloko Kubayi for a hotly contested deputy president position.
He further said, in the position of the Secretary-General, the PEC has recommended Gwen Ramokgopa, Fikile Mbalula, and Febe Potgieter-Gqubule to ANC branches for consideration.
“The PEC has also recommended Fefebe Potgieter-Gqubule, Vuyiswa Tolelo and Maropene Ramokgopa for Deputy Secretary-General position to the branches, Ronald Lamola and Stan Mathabatha are considered for Treasurer-General position.
“The PEC recommended Gwede Mantashe for the ANC chairperson position. However, branches are free to nominate any other names. During our 8th ANC provincial conference, we unanimously resolved to support the current president, Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term,” said Mothibi.
He said they have endorsed Ramaphosa for a second term due to the commitment he made. Mothibi said Ramaphosa is able to renew and reposition the ANC as an agent for change.
“The ANC in Northern Cape wishes its members from the province’s 232 branches well in the convening of BGMs and BBGMs as we move towards the ANC’s 55th National Conference.
“The PEC members will be deployed to BGMs/BBGMs in all sub-regions, whilst Regional Executive Committee (RECs) must provide the necessary support to branches for the successful convening of the nomination during the branches’ annual meetings,” said Mothibi.
He said the BECs have the responsibility to convene and preside over their own BGMs/BBGMs. Mothibi said they trust that, their members will uphold the robust democratic traditions that have made the ANC unmatched in its task as a leader of society and a defender of the people’s aspirations.
He said, therefore, they shall gather in their multitudes emboldened by the ruling party’s historical mission of creating a united, non-racial, non-sexist, and democratic society.
The Guardian 