Cyril Ramaphosa gets Western Cape nod

ANC aiming to take back province with a ‘credible’ candidate

DEPUTY President Cyril Ramaphosa’s overwhelming support in the Western Cape is a clear sign that the party is trying to change voters’ perceptions of the ANC. Political analyst Ralph Mathekga said it was becoming clear that the ANC was aiming to win back the province by using certain credible leaders.

“It is clear they are using Ramaphosa because they want to see change and win back the confidence of voters in the province. If you are an ANC supporter in the Western Cape you can’t ignore Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma. It will also be difficult to ignore President Zuma’s influence because he has been so deeply entrenched,” he said.

Presidential hopeful Dlamini Zuma’s campaigners in the Western Cape are licking their wounds after she attracted a mere 13 nominations, and only one for deputy president.

Dlamini Zuma only received eight nominations from the Dullah Omar region (Cape Metro).

“The Zuma faction lost in the Western Cape as many people want better leadership. They see that in Ramaphosa. In other provinces, like the North West and KwaZulu-Natal, it is a bit different, but even there Ramaphosa has pockets of strong support.

“The conference will give us the answers and these events can deliver many surprises,” Mathekga said.

Cape Metro spokesperson Khaya Yozi said one of the biggest challenges was branches that could not convene meetings.

“Truth be told, we had all the resources to go out there and campaign. We had the transport and enough funds to do what was required of us. But we cannot go against the will of the people.”

At Sunday’s provincial general council (PGC), Ramaphosa received 121 branch nominations, with Lindiwe Sisulu receiving 98 nominations to be his deputy. Secretary-general Gwede Mantashe got 128 nominations to be the party’s chairperson. Senzo Mchunu received 113. Zingiswa Losi received 60 nominations to be his deputy, and Paul Mashatile received 127 to be treasurer-general.

Candidates on Dlamini Zuma’s slate received very little support from Western Cape delegates. Mpumalanga Premier David Mabuza, punted as Dlamini Zuma’s deputy, only received 11 nominations, while Nathi Mthethwa, who is vying for national chairperson, received two nominations.

Free State Premier Ace Magashule, who was nominated for secretary-general, received 14 nominations and one for the position of national chairperson.

Maite Nkoana-Mashabane, who is vying for the position of treasurer on Dlamini Zuma’s slate, only received seven nominations.