NUM man opts for Ramaphosa

THE Guptas had destroyed the mission and vision of the ANC and people had to take a stand to resurrect the party they know and love.

So said National Union of Mineworkers’ (NUM) health and safety secretary Eric Gcilitshana, who also called on President Jacob Zuma to step down, in his message at former Cosatu president Elijah Barayi’s memorial lecture at Thobi Kula Indoor Sports Complex.

Gcilitshana called on people to follow in Barayi and Chris Hani’s footsteps to promote a better South Africa.

“Let us strengthen the unity of the ANC, Cosatu, NUM and SACP. We must make sure we fight and unite against corruption as we do not want to speak about this leadership in the past tense in the near future, but in the present.”

He said the country must remove itself from the “Gupta dictatorship” by first removing “the president of the ruling party”.

He said Cyril Ramaphosa was ready to be the next president of the country and he was capable and trustworthy.

“Some people may be against him, saying he is a capitalist, but we believe South Africa can progress under his leadership.”

CHDM mayor Kholiswa Vimbayo said the region was willing to work with the union to ensure the political state of the country did not worsen.

“We need to come up with solutions.”