The Limpopo ANC provincial executive committee (PEC) has resolved to axe Lephalale mayor Alpheus Thulare and replace him with Aaron Mokgehle.
Sunday World can confirm that the decision was taken during a PEC meeting held on Monday. The meeting also resolved to back President Cyril Ramaphosa for a second term during the fast-looming ANC national elective conference in December and for acting secretary-general Paul Mashatile to become his deputy.
Limpopo premier Stan Mathabatha was also endorsed to become the governing party’s national chairperson.
However, not all the PEC members were in favour of Mashatile becoming the second in command at Luthuli House, the ANC headquarters in Johannesburg. Other names have been thrown around for the position including that of Justice Minister Ronald Lamola, Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi, and Deputy President David Mabuza.
At the same meeting, ANC Vhembe regional spokesperson Gumani Mukhwevho was also touted to become the mayor of Makhado, and Mihlotli Mahlope is expected to replace Nenguda Dowelani, currently the mayor Vhembe district municipality.
However, the PEC resolutions are awaiting final approval from the party’s national officials.
Ramaphosa is expected in Limpopo at the weekend to consolidate the PEC’s decision that there must be a cabinet reshuffle to make way for ANC deputy chairperson in the province, Florence Radzilani, and provincial treasurer Nakedi Sibanda-Kekana, to become MECs.
The PEC members, who opted to remain anonymous for fear of reprisals, told Sunday World that Radzilani has also been tipped to become the province’s first female premier while Sibanda Kekana is expected to replace treasurer MEC Charley Sekoati who will be spared because he is Mathabatha’s ally.
“Comrade Charley is not going anywhere, watch the space. He will be redeployed elsewhere as an MEC because he has been loyal to Mathabatha and his allies. I put it to you that he will still be having those blue lights for a long time,” said a PEC member.
Those who face the axe to make way for Mathabatha’s allies include sport, arts and culture MEC Thandi Moraka, transport, safety and liaison MEC Polly Boshielo, social development MEC Dr Namane Masemola, and agriculture and rural development MEC Nandi Ndalane.
ANC provincial spokesperson Jimmy Machaka said the issue of the mayors was discussed at the PEC meeting and added that [the provincial] cabinet reshuffle, including supporting Ramaphosa for a second term, were also on the agenda.
“[The meeting also resolved] that comrade Mashatile should be the deputy president and that comrade Mathabatha must become the ANC national chairperson,” said Machaka, condemning the PEC members who leaked the information to Sunday World.
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