As the groundswell for a motion for a rewrite of history gains momentum across the country, ruling party branches in the province have started pronouncing a preference for African National Congress (ANC) Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa to take over as party president.
It was learnt that the Milo Malatjie branch of the ANC in Seshego has taken the lead in pronouncing its preference to see Ramaphosa in the party’s top position based on reasons of succession when it met on Sunday.
At the same time they also declared that they want to see Polokwane Executive Mayor Thembi Nkadimeng as future chairperson of the Peter Mokaba Region when branches go to the elective conference scheduled for October.
ANC Milo Malatjie Branch Chairperson Boy Mamabolo informed Polokwane Observer that they had been the first Limpopo branch to make a pronouncement and that it was not premature as the succession debate process was open.
Mamabolo said that considering ANC tradition seeing deputy presidents of the movement taking over from past presidents, the branch was of the opinion that Ramaphosa was supposed to take over from party president Jacob Zuma. In their minds there was no space for anybody else, he conceded.
Mamabolo expressed the opinion that Ramaphosa was seen to be a unifier and first class negotiator who has proven his worth.
The branch was equally vocal on their choice for Nkadimeng to take over as Peter Mokaba Regional Chairperson as opposed to current Peter Mokaba Regional Deputy Chairperson and Capricorn District Executive Mayor John Mpe hailed as favourite in other parts of the region, he concluded.
From other quarters it was learnt that Ramaphosa was a firm favourite for party president among branches of the movement in all regions of the province. Others, it was established, are still in the process of deliberation.
ANC Limpopo spokesperson Aluwani Netsianda said in comment that branches were now allowed to discuss their preferences for positions.
The formal nomination process is anticipated to start in September, but they would have to wait for the directive from the national office, he concluded.
Story: YOLANDE NEL
>>observer.yolande@gmail.com
