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JOHANNESBURG - Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi will accept a nomination for the ANC deputy president’s position.

Talking on the sidelines of a Women’s Day commemoration event hosted by her branch, Moloto Tambane, in Protea South in Soweto yesterday, Kubayi said no branch had formally nominated her for the post.

However, the branch has officially endorsed her for the top six position. She has now joined the likes of Ronald Lamola and Paul Mashatile, who are also vying for the position.

It was Pinkie Numa from greater Johannesburg’s Young Women’s Desk of the ANC Women’s League – while offering a message of support – who first endorsed Kubayi as a candidate for the deputy president’s position.

“We’re unashamedly saying that comrade Nkhensani Kubayi is also known by this name should go and represent us in the top six,” said Numa to loud applause and ululations from the women in the hall.

Branch Chairperson Ester Maema also said that Kubayi, as a ‘child of Protea’ and ‘child of Soweto’, was being endorsed by the ward 14 branch.

Later, while talking to the media, Kubayi said her branch had informed her that it would endorse her name after holding a branch meeting. She said she had also been approached by many people asking her to avail herself, and she had directed them to her branch and zone (zone four).

“Those who’re supporting me need to make sure that I get nominated. When I say I’m available, it’s immaterial unless I meet the threshold. We need the support of 4 000 branches and that’s critical.’’