President Cyril Ramaphosa’s supporters have accused the ANC provincial executive committee (PEC), led by provincial chairperson and Premier Stan Mathabatha, of double standards and conniving with the KwaZulu-Natal leadership, despite publicly announcing their support for Ramaphosa in his bid for the second term in office.
Ramaphosa has also been advised by his allies to “watch his back” from those who pretend to support him while secretly orchestrating moves to oust him as ANC president.
Ramaphosa’s ally, former education MEC Polly Boshielo, who was recently sacked by Mathabatha, this week threw a jab at Mathabatha and his allies.
“At the moment there are two line-ups from the same people of this province. One consists of a slate, which supports comrade Ramaphosa and Fikile Mbalula and the other one consists of Zweli Mkhize and Phumulo Masualle.
“After consultations with other provinces including Limpopo, KZN pronounced their line-up, which is led by comrade Mkhize. They are now waiting for Limpopo to also pronounce on the same line-up.
“We are not confused and pretentious. Our line-up remains in favour of comrades Ramaphosa and Mbalula,” said Boshielo, a former ANC PEC member.
An SACP senior leader in Limpopo, who opted not to reveal his identity, said he agreed with Boshielo’s sentiments.
“Limpopo’s PEC is disgruntled and not honest. They are supporting KZN and we warned comrade Ramaphosa.
“The only thing they must know is that all regions are now united over Ramaphosa except for Sekhukhune. After the elective conference, Mathabatha and his allies will eat humble pie,” the comrade said.
He also said Mathabatha appointed his comrades into cabinet although they are mired in political scandals.
Former Lepelle-Nkumpi mayor Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana and former Vhembe district mayor Florence Radzilani have been fingered for their alleged role in investing R150-million and R300-million respectively into VBS mutual bank without following proper procedures.
ANC provincial spokesperson Jimmy Machaka yesterday dismissed the allegations.
“It is not correct that the ANC PEC in Limpopo is not supporting Ramaphosa. We will also support Ramaphosa against any form of unjustifiable attacks. Any narrative which suggests ANC PEC in Limpopo doesn’t support Ramaphosa is false and disingenuous,” said Machaka.
The ANC PEC in Limpopo, which recently met Gauteng and KZN PECs, said it remained unfazed after the CR22 caucus snubbed Mathabatha and ANC treasurer general Paul Mashatile on its final slate.
Machaka also confirmed that the ANC PEC in Limpopo had met the KZN PEC, which support disgraced former health minister as part of ongoing engagements with provinces.
“Both provinces maintained their stands on the leadership question, both provinces shared views on step aside as well as their views on two deputy secretary generals [DSGs] and agreed to continue to engage until the national conference.”
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