He says if branches say so he will definitely contest.
Mpumalanga PEC member Pat Ngomane is eyeing the position of ANC provincial secretary when a congress is held atleast in January 2020, this paper has learnt.
Sources in deputy president DD Mabuza’s circles this week told the 013NEWS reporter about the whole structure of the lobbying occurring in the province – and where Premier Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane is being pushed to become the first female leader of the party in Mpumalanga.
Ngomane Monday this week said branches “have more say” but if they say they want him as secretary he will definitely “avail myself”. He said it was the “constitutional right” of each and every ANC member to be elected or to choose who should be elected.
A week ago this paper heard from highly-placed sources in Mabuza’s circles about the names of the comrades they want to lead the party in the province in Tsipane’s slate while lobbying amongst leaders continues in secret venues.
Ngomane is punted as secretary, with Ermelo strongman Sibusiso ‘The Great’ Sgudla being punted as either the deputy chair or treasurer when a congress is held in January 2020.
Mtshweni-Tsipane’s slate also wants Vusi Shongwe to retain his post as treasurer or become the deputy chairman “if Sgudla doesn’t become that”.
ALSO SEE: Mtshweni-Tsipane enjoys “cordial and professional” relations with Ntshalintshali
This could see The Great becoming the new treasurer or the deputy chairman if Shongwe supposedly becomes any of the two.
“Shongwe for deputy chair/treasurer or Sgudla for depury chair/treasurer,” one of the leaders key in the campaigns said when speaking to the 013NEWS reporter in the eHlanzeni region.
Another one said they could support Peter Nyoni, the co-operative governance department’s head, as treasurer.
Spokeswoman Sasekani Manzini is mentioned as the favoured candidate for new role of deputy secretary.
One of Tsipane’s lobbyists, Bethuel Sibanyoni, said they will definitely “deliver” Tsipane as the new leader of the ANC in Mpumalanga.
“See, the province is still to conduct the internal processes of recruitments, audits, BGMs and all of that. As time goes we will know from the branches who should be what but we are definitely supporting Tsipane for the role of ANC Mpumalanga chairperson,” Sibanyoni said when he spoke to the 013NEWS reporter.
He added as they are “on the ground” they will make sure the leaders who emerge are those who will take the ANC forward as well as prioritise the interests of the people of Mpumalanga.
(edited by ZK)
Send tip-offs to editor@013.co.za
