Finance MMC in front in mayoral race
Johannesburg member of the mayoral committee (MMC) for finance Jolidee Matongo is emerging as the frontrunner to take over as acting executive mayor following the death of Geoff Makhubo.
Matongo is preferred by the dominant ANC faction in Johannesburg, which is led by regional secretary Dada Morero, supported by senior members of the Gauteng provincial executive committee (PEC), including provincial secretary Jacob Khawe, and PEC members Lebogang Maile and Mzwandile Masina, among others.
Makhubo died two weeks ago, leaving two factions vying for control of SA’s commercial hub. The city council is expected to sit this Friday to vote for a new mayor.
ANC regional and provincial meetings this week are expected to be emotionally charged.
Matongo confirmed this week that he had been approached to take over until next year’s local government elections.
The opposing faction in the City of Joburg is expected to put forward a woman candidate, with the frontrunner being Eunice Mgcina, MMC for health and social development.
Mgcina, who is backed by the ANC Women’s League in the region, would not confirm her availability to the Sunday Times.
Matongo is among six candidates expected to be fielded this weekend at a meeting of
the ANC’s greater Johannesburg regional executive committee (REC).
The Sunday Times has learnt that Matongo’s grouping will field two other candidates with him: Mpho Moerane, MMC for environment and infrastructure services; and Salphina Mulaudzi, who chairs a committee that oversees other committees in the council.
The other grouping is expected to nominate an all-women candidate list comprising Mgcina; Loyiso Masuku, MMC for group corporate and shared services; and Mally Mokoena, MMC for public safety.
The REC will vote on the names and come up with three preferred candidates, who will be presented at the Gauteng PEC tomorrow. It is expected the PEC will then take one name to national officials in a process expected to conclude by Wednesday. Once the ANC officials endorse the name, a meeting of council will be called on Friday, when a mayor will be elected.