NASREC- MUCH RELIEVED Cyril Matamela Ramaphosa has been re-elected as the President of the ruling party African National Congress and the win has solicited various responses as expected.
He garnered 2476 votes to outmuscle former Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, who got 1897 votes.
The much talked about ANC 55th elective congress is taking shape at the Nasrec Center, outside Soweto. This means Ramaphosa is going for his second-term as President.
The newly formed top 7- also comprises of the Ramokgopa’s – second deputy secretary-general Maropene Ramokgopa and veteran Dr Gwen, who took the treasurer-general’s position.
ANC’s deputy president post went to Paul Mashatile, and the first deputy secretary-general’s post was clinched by Nomvula Mokonyane.
Gwede Mantashe was re-elected the national chairperson.
Fikile Mbalula in as secretary-general, triggers his resignation as transport minister.
The results were announced by ANC’s elections chief, Kgalema Motlanthe, were at times delegates seemed not to agree with the numbers but being obedient as he is, Motlanthe read the votes louder.
This is bad news for KwaZulu-Natal slate that did not have a representative on the top-7.
For Maropene this is part of a generational mix for the ANC, as they seek gender parity and youth inclusion within its structures.
Pule Mabe who was contesting the TG position, announced he will be vacating the national spokesperson post “time to hit the streets” as he was quoted and said “new pair of hands should now take over”.
Scores of ANC supporters who were behind Mkhize, said they’ll accept the outcome of the votes, whereas political analysts, local and international press and economists, (the rand had improved) also had a field day in office.
The final new look NEC will be voted in from today until Tuesday in the afternoon.
After all this filled drama it will be back to running the country and adhering to policies that govern this State. The ANC is good on policies but implementation is a bone of contention.
Image supplied (The new look ANC’s top -7 boasting three new capable women- for the very first time in the history of the ruling party).
