ANC bigwigs scramble for Limpopo top government jobs

A scramble for Limpopo’s top job is on the cards among ANC bigwigs, including those alleged to have been complicit in the VBS Mutual Bank scandal.

This is happening hours before President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to appoint new premiers.

The scramble comes after allegations that Premier Stanley Mathabatha was earmarked for Ramaphosa’s new Cabinet.

The Citizen can confirm that the Limpopo ANC provincial executive committee yesterday gave the party’s national executive committee (NEC) a list of three names for the premier’s position.

These are Limpopo treasury MEC Rob Tooley, public works MEC Nandi Ndalana, and Mathabatha.

“Limpopo has had only male premiers since the advent of democracy in 1994,” said a source at the weekend. “The first premier was Ngwako Ramathlodi, followed by Sello Moloto, then Cassel Mathale and now Mathabatha.

“I think it will only be fair for the NEC to appoint a female premier this time around in line with the 50-50 call by the ANC Women’s League.”

Kenny Mathivha, Mathabatha’s spokesperson who also acts as Limpopo’s spokesperson, said the premier is likely to announce his new Cabinet after May 28.

According to a senior government official, some of the names vying for MEC appointments are ANC deputy provincial secretary Baisekopo Makamu, Mopani district municipality executive mayor Nkakareng Rakgoale, current health MEC Phophi Ramathuba, former Waterberg ANC regional secretary Tolly Mashamaite, Vhembe district municipality executive mayor Mavhungu Lerule, and human settlements MEC Jerry Ndou.

Others include Limpopo spokesperson Donald Selamolele, speaker of the legislature Polley Boshielo, former education MEC Dickson Masemola, and chief director in the human settlements department Rodgers Monama.

“The biggest contestation is in Sekhukhune between Monama and Masemola,” said the source.

Opposition parties the Economic Freedom Fighters and the Democratic Alliance yesterday called for the new Limpopo premier to guard against appointing VBS-tainted cadres into his or her Cabinet.

– news@citizen.co.za

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