Ramaphosa’s allies make a clean sweep
IN WHAT could be a boost for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s ambition for a second term, the slate most aligned to him won the Eastern Cape ANC conference with a clean sweep with his ally Oscar Mabuyane re-elected as chairperson.
His deputy is Mlungisi Mvoko who defeated Xolile Nkompela, while Lulama Ngcukayitobi is the provincial secretary with Helen Sauls-August his deputy secretary. Rounding off the leadership is Mlungisi Williams as the provincial treasurer.
Mabuyane said those elected to lead the province deserved and “earned” the victory.
“We have earned what you see. It has come out of hard work. When you are elected you must rise to the occasion. We are bringing to the province a strong leadership," he said.
Mabuyane said they were going to tackle “lack of opportunities” in the province.
“We will bring more impetus to the work we’ve already been doing. We are also looking at giving our people a province that will give people of the Eastern Cape boundless opportunities. It is painful to watch our young people leaving this province for greener pastures,” he said.
He was up against Babalo Madikizela, the current Public Works MEC.
Ramaphosa, who made the closing remarks at the conference, said the intensity of the leadership contests at the party’s conferences should not preclude it from moving forward as a united and strong organisation.
“Ill-discipline, factionalism and other deviant tendencies continue to plague our movement. This movement must be principled and decisive in dealing with instances of ill-discipline, sowing divisions and all ills that bedevil organisational ethos and processes.”
He said the party’s previous national elective conference, where he was elected president, was a reminder that ANC leaders must demonstrate commitment to renewal and fundamental transformation.
Political analyst Sipho Seepe said both Madikizela and Mabuyane gave their best shot, however, what emerged was less about policy and more about positions.
“This was a highly contested conference. Unfortunately, what emerged was less about policy and more about the party.
“This is what has become of the party. It exists for itself. The message is that South Africans can expect more of the same.
“They are mere voting cattle for a party that treats them as a mere afterthought,” said Seepe.