Matongo was recommended by the ANC’s top six, according to insiders.
The Soweto born Matongo, was interviewed alongside current city council chair of chairpersons, Salphina Matlou, and Mpho Moerane, MMC for environment and infrastructure services.
According to a memo addressed to Gauteng provincial secretary Jacob Khawe, sent by ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte, says Matongo is the party’s preferred candidate.
“The national officials were of the view that all three comrades were excellent candidates but that Cde Jolidee Mathongo was the preferred candidate …” Duarte said in the leaked memo.
The three candidates were the first to be subjected to a new rule introduced by President Cyril Ramaphosa where prospective mayors, especially of metros, are interviewed by the party’s top brass.
He replaces late Mayor Geoff Makhubo, who died of COVID-19 last month.
The opposition party Democratic Alliance in council, wrote to Gauteng Cooperative Governance MEC Lebogang Maile calling for a special sitting of Parliament.
It accused the ANC of delaying the process of electing Makhubo’s replacement because of its own factional battles.
The grounded and colourful Matongo is expected to be sworn in as soon as next week.
Image (Jolidee Matongo could be sworn in as the next Mayor of Joburg).
