Keeping it in the family
You’d be forgiven for thinking the ANC’s National Assembly candidate list reads more like a wedding guest list than a political collective, writes Nathi Olifant
THIS melting pot of candidates for the ANC’s National Assembly candidate list come from almost all walks of life – but it doesn’t only end with Jacob Zuma’s allies.
The ANC candidate lists are also significantly represented by couples and family members. In some cases the power couples are former power couples and the only bond that binds them is their loyalty to the ruling party.
Then there are the couples where the woman holds the power and the husband takes a back seat as she powers ahead.
There are the comeback kids, once lost in the political wilderness, now forgiven and their names on the candidate list. Bheki Cele is the most notable, as well as Dina Pule, bouncing back from disgrace.
We look at these candidate categories (Numbers in brackets denotes position on the list).
THE COUPLES
Charles (127) and Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula (14) (National Assembly)
Forget rumours of estrangement, the Nqakulas are on top of their game. Charles, the former safety and security minister, is Zuma’s envoy to Mozambique and Nosiviwe is defence minister.
Mathole (69) and Angie Motshekga (11) (National Assembly)
Mathole, the former Gauteng premier and axed ANC chief whip in the National Assembly, has survived the political wilderness. A good lesson has been learnt from his basic education minister wife Angie about the staying power of loyalty.
THE USED-TO-BE COUPLES
Bongi Sithole (29), Inkosi Zibuse Mlaba (52) (divorced: KZN Legislature)
For the first time this pair will serve together. Former Umgungundlovu district mayor Bongi Sithole separated and later divorced former KwaXimba regent Zibuse Mlaba who is also making a comeback. Sithole is now married to Lucky Moloi, ANC regional secretary in Inkosi Bhambatha region.
Sipho Gcabashe (28) and Lungi Gcabashe (4) (divorced: KZN Legislature and provincial to national)
The former provincial ANC secretary served a few months with his former wife in the KZN PEC before being coopted to the NEC. They have again avoided each other with Sipho on the KZN Legislature list and Lungi on the provincial to national list.
Jacob Zuma (1) and his ex wife Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma (157)
Dlamini Zuma will not serve the ANC in this term even though her name is on the list. Ironically, she remains one of Zuma’s most trusted troops inside and outside the country.
THE RELATIVES
Winnie MadikizelaMandela (29) and Mandla Mandela (63) (granny and grandson)
Serving in Parliament with your grandson or your granny is as rare as partnering your grandson as a national team striker. At least no folklore stories will be heard between the two Mandelas.
Max (18) and Lindiwe
Sisulu (9) (The siblings) Walter and Albertina Sisulu’s children embody the ANC struggle. They carry the torch of their parents to future generations. The Speaker of Parliament and his minister of public service sister are the heartbeat of Zuma’s reign, are loved and true struggle kids.
THE POWERFUL WIVES
Lumka Yengeni (74) – wife of Tony Yengeni
Rumours were rife that the powerful couple were divorcing in 2011, but that soon subsided. Lumka Yengeni nee Nyamza was a solid rock during her husband’s legal woes in the early 2000s and is an established MP. They married 30 years ago in Lusaka, Zambia.
Nomalungelo Gina (6) –
wife of departed Numsa president Cedric Gina Nomalungelo is probably the reason Cedric suddenly left the Numsa presidency in November. He knew where his bread was buttered and Nomalungelo occupies a strong position on the province to national list.
Linda Hlongwa (36) – wife of KZN government spindoctor Cyril Madlala
The soft-spoken Hlongwa is the engine behind the KZN Legislature education portfolio committee. She married former editor and newspaper proprietor Cyril Madlala recently.
Ntombikayise SibhidlaSaphetha (10) – wife of Nehawu secretary Zola Saphetha
The youthful KZN arts and culture MEC is the powerhouse behind Nehawu’s provincial secretary, the fierce Zola Saphetha who has the provincial public service labour force wrapped around his finger.
THE COMEBACK KIDS
Bheki Cele (1) – former national police commissioner
Comfortably perched in the list summit, if Cele was a cat he would have had nine lives. He has fought back with his guns blazing on the province to national list. The former eThekwini regional chairman is a politician at the top of his game. He’s popular and commands nationwide support despite his fallout with Zuma. He’s true to his nickname “Is’khokho” (top dog).
Cassel Mathale (81) –
former Limpopo premier Julius Malema nearly ended the career of Mathale, whose comeback reads like a novel. He remains popular in Limpopo and his pledge of allegiance to Zuma probably saved him.
Dina Pule (70) – disgraced former communications minister They say it’s not over until the fat lady sings. When everyone had written off Dina, she bounces back on the ANC list and in all likelihood is headed straight to Cape Town. Public Protector Thuli Madonsela must be miffed.
Thoko Didiza (15) – former cabinet minister under Thabo Mbeki The former public works minister’s political career looked as if it was buried with Mbeki in September 2008, but Didiza is at No 15 on the National Assembly list.
Makhosi Khoza (7) – Controversial former ANC MPL, mayor and party spokeswoman The impulsive and temperamental Khoza has been given another shot on the province to national list. Dare we say she will not finish her term should she get to Parliament.
Mervyn Dirks (11) – former Pietermaritzburg deputy mayor who had a fallout with Zweli Mkhize
A huge public spat with then ANC chairman and Premier Zweli Mkhize over the collapse of Msunduzi municipality did not stop the man from Woodlands bouncing back on the province to national. He is still popular in Pietermaritzburg.
Humphrey Mmemezi (111) – Former Gauteng MEC of local government and housing
He left public office under a cloud after he was found guilty of abusing a state credit card, including buying a painting worth R10 000 at a McDonald’s outlet. He also Jackson Mthembu’s middle name is “Mphikwa”, meaning “the rejected” or “the denied.” Although it is his current job to spin, in another respect, whoever named him clearly got it wrong because at No 27 on the list, he cannot be denied his place in the sun. Dina Pule’s middle name is “Deliwe” which means “the disowned”. And she too has not lived up to that name. President Zuma may have ejected her from the cabinet, but the prodigal daughter is marching back to Solomon’s Temple. used the same card for an overnight stay at a lodge.
Maggie Govender (21) – Former KZN human settlements and public works MEC
When Zweli Mkhize fired Govender three years ago, her legislature inexperience seemed to be the final nail in the coffin. However her position now guarantees her a place in legislature.
Tito Mboweni (41) – Former Reserve Bank governor
Mboweni announced his comeback on Twitter late in January when he locked horns with suspended Cosatu secretary-general Zwelinzima Vavi. The former labour minister is also tipped for a cabinet post
Baleka Mbete (19) – former deputy president
It remains to be seen whether Mbete will accept this, considering that she still enjoys the presidential perks she attained during her stint at the Union Buildings in 2008/2009. As party chairman the former National Assembly Speaker is one of the top six officials of the ANC.