It’s all systems go for nominations in the ANC’s elective conference taking place in December.
Chairperson of the party’s electoral committee, Kgalema Motlanthe, announced the party nomination process and rules of the conference.
The rules sank the hopes of the suspended secretary-general Ace Magashule of making a comeback in December.
Magashule was suspended from his position in May last year after being charged with corruption, fraud and money laundering in connection with the R255 million Free State asbestos scandal.
Motlanthe said the success of the ANC depends on the quality of national executive committee members.
“The ANC depends on its leadership to guide implementation of ANC policies and conference resolutions and to make decisions in between national conferences.
“The NEC is the highest decision-making body after the conference and our success as a movement depends on the quality, capacity and make-up of our NEC.”
He added that NEC is the public face of the ANC and must be made up of leaders who reflect the party’s values and represent the diversity of the South African people.
ANC conferences have for years been embroiled with vote buying. To avoid this, Motlanthe said the full financial record of every campaign had to be maintained and submitted to the electoral committee.
The committee will also have the right to demand the bank statements of candidates, campaigns and campaign workers and to interview members of campaign teams.
The nomination process will begin on September 7.
The position of deputy president seems to be a hotly contested seat as current Justice Minister Ronald Lamola; Minister of Human Settlements, Water and Sanitation Mmamoloko Kubayi; treasurer-general Paul Mashatile; and, Deputy President David Mabuza are keen on availing themselves of the position.
There are also indications that fired health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize will challenge President Cyril Ramaphosa for the number one position. Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu, who is a close ally of Mkhize, has also shown an interest in serving in the top six.
Ramaphosa’s bid for second term is clouded by the Phala Phala burglary saga. Opposition parties have come together in a bid to oust him through a motion of no confidence.