ANC Cyril Ramaphosa

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa
Image sourced via Twitter

At least 8 names vying for ANC deputy president – some will surprise you

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to seek another term in office, amid political inflighting, but who will be his deputy?

ANC Cyril Ramaphosa

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa
Image sourced via Twitter

The gloves are off within the African National Congress (ANC), particularly as the race for the leadership heats up. While ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa will seek another term in office, there is already debate within the ruling party structures as to who should be there alongside him.

According to Sunday Times, at least eight people are being considered for deputy president, these include former Parliament speaker Thandi Modise, Justice and Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola and his Human Settlements counterpart Mmamoloko Kubayi.

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WHO WILL BE ANC’S NEXT DEPUTY PRESIDENT?

The publication reports that in addition to the ANC presidency, many are eyeing the Secretary General post, which was left somewhat vacant by Ace Magashule, who was forced to step aside and abide by the ANC’s contentious step resolution. Current deputy president David Mabuza is said to be seeking another term in office, despite some sources quoted as saying he had previoudly indicated he wouldn’t.

Others who reportedly want to be Ramaphosa’s second in command is former deputy president Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, who recent returned from New York, where she served as the United Nations’ (UN) Women Executive Director.

It is being reported that those close to ANC Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile are lobbying provinces to discuss possible names to make it into the top six, to avoid further divisions. Mashatile himself has also been listed as one of those seeking to become deputy president. Whoever becomes ANC deputy president would also be deputised in government and is considered a key contender, once Ramaphosa concludes his two terms (assuming that he bags another four years in office).

One has to factor in the internal squabbles of the ANC when discussing slates ahead of conference. It is no secret that the party is divided and has been plagued by factionalism, which means there is no clear indication as to how things will emerge at Nasrec.