Cyril Ramaphosa is under pressure as a result of the Phala Phala fall-out – Photo: Flickr
Cyril Ramaphosa is under pressure as a result of the Phala Phala fall-out – Photo: Flickr
The ANC KZN conference has set the ruling party on a fascinating path to its National Elective function at the end of the year, after a pro-Zuma slate ousted the existing leadership. A group of younger, RET-backing loyalists – bizarrely dubbed as ‘the Taliban’ – have taken control of the region.
Who is part of the so-called ‘Taliban’ slate in KZN?
Now, a Zuma-backing group named after a feared terrorist organisation doesn’t immediately seem like a vote-winner. But this is KZN. The rules are different in Msholozi’s backyard, and although this faction’s popularity may be limited outside of the province, they’ve notched a big win here.
The members in question have already made their opposition to Mr. Ramaphosa clear – more on that in a minute…
Siboniso Duma beat Sihle Zikalala for chairperson ,with 930 votes against 665. Nomagugu Simelane is now the Deputy Provincial Chairperson, while Sipho Hlomuka has made a comeback as Deputy Provincial Secretary.
Ntuthuko Mahlaba is the new ANC KZN Treasurer and Bheki Mtolo is the new Provincial Secretary.
ANC in KwaZulu-Natal look to undermine President Ramaphosa – by removing step aside rule
Indeed, the so-called ‘Taliban’ leaders are already feeling emboldened by their rise to provincial power. So much so, they are now campaigning to roll-back a policy recently introduced by President Ramaphosa – and they want to get rid of his ‘step aside’ resolution.
The rule prohibits anyone formally charged with a crime from serving in government, or running for important positions within the party. Ex-Durban Mayor Zandile Gumede could not compete this weekend, due to the criminal cases filed against her while in office.
However, the newly-elected leaders in KZN are looking to scrap it entirely. That would invalidate rulings made against figures like Ace Magashule, and allow criminally-accused politicians to run for elections in branches across the country.
- The Taliban will now take these proposals to the ANC’s upcoming policy conference.
JUST IN: ANC KZN provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo announces the conference has resolved the ANC's step-aside resolution which bars criminally charged members from standing for elections be scrapped. He says they'll be taking this to the ANC's policy conference. #ANCKZNconference
— Nomazima Nkosi (@Zima_B_Nkosi) July 24, 2022
