ANC member and former SA Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
Image Thabo Mbeki Foundation
Will Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka be SA’s new Deputy President?
Could we see a return to the past in the future? Would you be happy with Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka as the country’s Deputy President?
ANC member and former SA Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka.
Image Thabo Mbeki Foundation
It’s an ANC elective conference year and that means people are being approached to run for top positions within the governing party. From Lindiwe Sisulu taking on President Cyril Ramaphosa, to challenges to David Mabuza, a lot is still up in the air. There’s a new question too. Is Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka about to make a return to a senior ANC position.
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka for Deputy President?
Several Sunday newspapers have new reports on Mlambo-Ngcuka this week. And according to CityPress, the former UN Women Executive Director has now admitted she has been approached to run for top party positions. In particular ANC Deputy President.
A lobby group reportedly met with Mlambo-Ngcuka several times in recent weeks. The former Deputy President told the publication that she is “flattered” by the idea.
She went on to say that she hopes female youth candidates could be prioritised over herself.
“I am flattered by the trust that some members are showing me, but I really have to think about it because I was away for a long time. I just think that the comrades must look among the members much more than they have. I think they’re taking a short-cut because they know me, I’m easy to find and I have always been there. We must not cheat the processes.”
Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka told CityPress
Mlambo-Ngcuka previously served as the Deputy President of South Africa from 2005 to 2008. She currently serves as the University of Johannesburg’s Chancellor.
So while Mlambo-Ngcuka says she would prefer someone new, it doesn’t seem like she has completely closed the door on herself.
Mkhize eyeing up a top ANC post
It’s not just Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka in the running though. According to several new reports, former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize is getting ready to run for the ANC presidency. in order to have a chance at winning though, Mkhize knows he has to clear his name when it comes to all things Digital Vibes.
Mkhize has spent the last several months in KwaZulu-Natal connecting with ANC branches. Mkhize is a former Treasurer General of the party. Several ANC insiders have also suggested that Mkhize is considering running for a top 6 position in the party again.
Other reports suggest that Mkhize may even challenge Cyril Ramaphosa directly.
