Ramaphosa lauded at unity rally

Cheers despite call for no contest

Although Mpumalanga premier David Mabuza is pushing for unity of no contestation in the ANC’s December conference, over the weekend his province gave an indication that it is behind Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa.

During a special provincial general council in Mbombela on Saturday, delegates ululated when Ramaphosa appeared in a video with other ANC leaders who were praising Mabuza for pushing for unity in the ANC ahead of the December conference.

The video was compiled and played by Mabuza’s chief lobbyist Robert Gumede. The crowd shouted in joy as they saw Ramaphosa on screen.

The provincial general council was attended by KwaZulu-Natal premier and deputy chairperson of the ANC Willies Mchunu, Gauteng chairperson Paul Mashatile, Free State chairperson Ace Magashule and North West chairperson Supra Mahumapelo.

The united front led by Mabuza hosted more than 12 000 delegates in Mbombela Stadium where it was agreed there should be no contestation in December – hence they promised to persuade all the candidates vying for the top seat to back down.

Magashule said there should be no second or third choice during the conference, however, unity must prevail.

Mashatile said his province would also push for the unity of the ANC and he would convincce presidential candidates to back down for the sake of ANC’s unity.

Mchunu said KwaZulu-Natal was also backing the call.