Eastern Cape traditional leaders and premier endorse Ramaphosa

ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa’s political fortunes were boosted when Eastern Cape traditional leaders warmly welcomed him and endorsed him as “president-in-waiting” on Friday.

Ramaphosa was in the province to address the 20th anniversary of the provincial house of traditional leaders and to meet with the province’s kings and chiefs. He was introduced by Premier Phumulo Masualle as a “leader with a good track record” whose image was “not tainted”.

Masualle’s statement helped to clarify his own stand towards Ramaphosa. The premier had up to now been associated with the Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma camp. But his remarks at the gathering indicated a clear preference for Ramaphosa.

As if this were not enough, Prince Zolile Burns-Ncamashe, one of the most influential traditional leaders in the Eastern Cape, consistently called Ramaphosa “president” and “president-in-waiting”, while the traditional leaders’ house chairperson, Chief Ngangomhlaba Matanzima, said they wished Ramaphosa luck in his campaign for ANC leadership.

An Eastern Cape ANC member said: “Cyril is perceived favourably in the Eastern Cape. His campaign is gaining momentum in this province.”

Ramaphosa would not be drawn into commenting about the support, but he acknowledged that he held a “good meeting” with the chiefs.

However, Ramaphosa reminded the traditional leaders that he was still deputy president and acting president in the absence of President Zuma. He cautioned them against rushing to call him president, as he “would not like to lose his job”.

AmaXhosa King Zwelonke Sigcawu was noncommittal when approached by The Citizen yesterday to express his views about whether he had endorsed Ramaphosa or not. Sigcawu said he stood by his earlier statement that the country was not yet ready for a female president.

– ericn@citizen.co.za