Former health minister Zweli Mkhize’s allies have managed to claw back some lost ground, getting a sizeable number of their members onto the 87-member national executive committee (NEC) announced on Wednesday.
The dominance of Mkhize’s allies may make it difficult for the Ramaphosa camp to steer the party effectively and sets up the ANC for intense power battles in the next five years.
A hostile NEC could also be used by Ramaphosa’s opponents in the party to stifle his reforms or even to recall him as head of state, as the organ has such powers. The NEC is the party’s most senior committee and decision maker between its five-year conferences.
Supra Mahumapelo, Malusi Gigaba, Phumulo Masualle, Bathabile Dlamini, Lindiwe Sisulu, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Andile Lungisa, Faith Muthambi and Pule Mabe were among some of Mkhize’s allies whose names were read onto the NEC by electoral committee chair Kgalema Motlanthe at a media conference on Wednesday.
Mkhize himself also made the list.
Most of Ramaphosa’s ministers, including finance minister Enoch Godongwana, Barbara Creecy, Mondli Gungubele and Aaron Motsoaledi also made it to the committee, from where ministers are traditionally picked.
Public enterprises minister Pravin Gordhan turned down his nomination.
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