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Calls are growing within the ANC hierarchy for a woman to be elected as Limpopo’s premier, as Premier Stanley Mathabatha reaches the final stage of his term and national and provincial elections are held on May 29.
Speaking to Y News, Vhembe provincial leaders said it was highly likely that ANC deputy chairperson Florence Radzilani would take the reins of the province’s administration.
She was also the front-runner in the 2019 elections that saw Matabata return to power.
Limpopo health commissioner Phophi Ramathuba and ANCYL chairperson Tony Ratsione are currently rivals for the province’s top post.
A regional leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the ruling party’s deputy leader is expected to replace the outgoing leader, in line with the party’s historical tradition.
He believes that after the May 29 elections, with Vhembe’s chapter confidently nominating Radzilani as premier, Limpopo can finally have its first female premier and make a historic change of government.
He said this principle would be applied as the ANC’s provincial executive committee (PEC) was due to meet on the provincial candidate list, which would be reviewed after the party’s NEC considered its recommendations.
He maintains that despite Rajrani’s image being tarnished by her alleged involvement in the VBS Mutual Bank scandal, branches in the state continue to support her as they see her as a proactive leader who does not shy away from local issues.
He claims his decision to speak out could lead to formal charges being filed, as regions have been instructed not to comment on leadership positions following the leak of a provincial candidate list in the hands of ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula.
He said the leak had created tension between the state executive committee and the party’s national office-bearers.
Meanwhile, SANCO has said it will support whichever prime ministerial candidate the ANC chooses.
The organisation’s provincial secretary, Sipho Dikgale, said their position was based on the ruling party’s criteria which stipulate that only candidates of good moral standing will be nominated for public office.
Attempts to reach ANC Limpopo branch spokesperson Jimmy Machaka for comment were unfruitful. Article by YNews Limpopo Correspondent, Bukuta Nkuna
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