NELSPRUIT – The province’s first citizen remains at the top of the ruling party’s candidate list for the coming elections. The premier and chairman of the provincial ANC Mr David Mabuza looks set for another five-year term after May 7, occupying the number-one spot on the party’s list for the Mpumalanga Legislature.
It was submitted to the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC) on Tuesday, a day before the cut-off date.
At number two is Mr David Dube, deputy chairman of the provincial ANC, former HOD of the provincial department of human settlements and present member of the Mpumalanga Legislature.
He is followed on the list by Andries Gamede, MEC for human settelements; Mr Vusi Shongwe, MEC for safety and security; Ms Reginah Mhaule, MEC for education and Ms Violet Siwela, MEC for agriculture at number six.
These are followed by Ms Blessing Thandi Shongwe, a member of the provincial legislature; Mr Eric Kholwane, member of the national assembly; Ms Nomsa Sanny Mtshweni and Ms Norah Mahlangu.
Mr Simon Skhosana, MEC for cooperative governance is at number 11 and Mr Pat Ngomane, Ehlanzeni regional secretary, at 15. Another regional secretary, Mr Muzi Chirwa from Gert Sibande, is 30th on the list.
He is therefore only to get a seat if the ANC wins all the seats. Presently the ANC holds 27 seats in the provincial legislature, and 264 of 400 in the National Assembly.
Provincial MECs on their way to parliament in Cape Town, are Ms Candith Mashego-Dlamini, MEC for health and social development at number 58; Ms Dikeledi Mahlangu, MEC for public works at number 64; Mr Madala Masuku, MEC for finance at 89, Ms Sibongile Manana*, MEC for sport and recreation at number 100 and Ms Pinky Phosa, MEC for economic development at 108.
Mr David Mahlobo, head of cooperative governance, is also on the list for the national assembly at 76.
Ahead of him, at number 70, is Ms Dina Pule, former provincial MEC and former minister of communications. She was sacked as communications minister, reprimanded in parliament, and the Public Protector recommended that she vacate her seat following investigations into her abuse of her position as minister.
Mr Siphosezwe Masango, former MEC for human settlements is to stand trial for charges on assault this year along with two of his bodyguards, and also 91st on the national assembly list. On the list at number 113 is Mr Jabulani Mahlangu, minister of economic development, environment and tourism as well as deputy head of elections of Mpumalanga.
Mr William Lubisi, speaker for the provincial legislature are on no lists. See images of the candidates here and more lists here.
*It was previously reported that Manana was on no lists. We apologise for the error.
