POLOKWANE – The ANC in Limpopo’s list of provincial candidates features only one woman in the top 10, veteran politician Happy Joyce Mashamba.
The appearance of Khumbudzo Ntshavheni’s name on the provincial list also raised eyebrows. Ntshavheni is still under precautionary suspension from her position as chief operations officer of the State Information Technology Agency. She is also the party spokesperson.
The number one position on the list is taken by premier Stanley Mathabatha followed by Falaza Mdaka, Lehlogonolo Masoga, Joe Maswanganyi, Seaparo Sekoati, Kogolane Alfred Phala, Ishmael Kgetjepe, Dickson Masemola and Thibedi Gideon Chepape.
Other well-known names include Thandi Moraka, Joyce Matshoge, Onnica Moloi, Mirriam Ramadwa, Elias Nong, Dan Sebabi, Soviet Lekganyane, Rob Tooley, Florence Radzilani, Thabitha Mohlahla, Aleck Nkuna and Sello Lediga.
The names of education MEC, Dikeledi Magadzi, and health MEC, Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba, as well as former MEC, Pinky Kekana, and the former premier, Cassel Mathale, appear on the ANC’s national list.
Also included on the national list are Zondi Silence Makhubele, Moloko Stanford Armour Maila, Jerome Joseph Maake, Motswaledi Hezekiel Matlala, Elleck Mamagase Nchabeleng, Dudu Helen Mathebe, Elizabeth Koena Mmanoko Masehela, Nkensani Kate Bilankulu, Livhuhani Mabua, Malusi Stanley Motimele, Modipoane Refiloe Moremadi Mothapo, Rembulawani Moses Tseu, Risimati Thompson Mawnda, Shela Paulina Boshielo, Thomas Makondo, Boitumelo Maluleke, Nthetsi Esrom Seabi and Manana Catherine Mabuza.
According to the national IEC’s legislation and election timetable, parties may submit any outstanding requirement until March 24.
Some 33 parties will contest this election if they meet all the requirements according to law. In South Africa’s historic first democratic election in 1994 there were 19 parties on the national ballot paper and 21 in 2004.
Even if the four parties that still have to comply with the nomination requirements were to be excluded, the ballot paper will still contain a record 29 contesting parties.
In terms of the provincial elections, 20 parties in Limpopo will contest the elections. The lists of candidates for each party (national, regional and provincial) will be available for inspection from March 28.
Any objection to candidates must be submitted to the Electoral Commission’s head office in Centurion, in writing before 17:00 on Tuesday April 1.
Such objections must indicate the reason for the objection to a candidate and must show that a copy of the objection has also been lodged with the re-levant political party.
The commission will rule on the objections by Monday April 7 and any appeals to the rulings must be submitted to the Electoral Court by April 10. The final deadline for decisions of the Electoral Court is April 15.
The final list of candidates contesting the elections will be published on April 22.
