.THE ANC Musa Dladla region is remaining mum over whether any Zululand names will be put forward as possible candidates for the KZN premier post.
The new premier is expected to be sworn in by the province’s judge president, Judge Chimanlal Patel in Pietermaritzburg on 26 May.
It is not clear whether Senzo Mchunu is to return as premier or be replaced by Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube, who is number one on the ANC’s list of provincial candidates.
However, Chairperson of the Musa Dladla region, Cllr Thulani Mashaba told Eyethu Baywatch the decision was not influenced by the numbering on the candidate list.
‘This decision is informed by the leadership of the provincial executive committee (PEC) who makes recommendations to the national executive committee (NEC).
Three names will be submitted, one of which will be the existing premier of KZN. We cannot confirm if any Zululand candidate will be put forward,’ said Mashaba.
Mchunu, who was the first Zululander to be elected as provincial chairman of ANC, took over as premier in September after Zweli Mkhize took up the role of ANC national treasurer.
Mashaba said the PEC was due to meet this week or early next week before a final decision by the NEC next week.
Meanwhile, the National Assembly will hold its first sitting on Wednesday, 21 May where the president, speaker and deputy speaker will be elected. The inauguration of the president will take place on 24 May at the Nelson Mandela Amphitheatre at the Union Buildings in Pretoria.
