Mantashe approached to side with Dlamini-Zuma in ANC succession race: report
ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe is proving to be a key figure in the party’s succession battle – which has not officially opened up yet, but continues anyway – as both front-runners in the race try to woo him to their team.
According to a report by the City Press, lobbyists for Zuma’s preferred candidate, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, have been trying to convince Mantashe to serve as deputy president on her slate, to add legitimacy to her campaign.
However, two different people from that camp have reportedly received two different responses from the secretary general – one ‘giving (the idea) the green light’ and another where he declined.
KwaZulu-Natal ANC chairperson Sihle Zikalala confirmed the City Press confirmed that he had met with Mantashe to discuss having him join Dlamini-Zuma’s campaign, but was turned down.
Meanwhile other leaders in KZN heard a different story, where Mantashe had agreed to join on. The idea was to create a unifying list, the source told the paper, which is why Mantashe was approached.
On an official level, Mantashe confirmed that consultations took place, but said it was simply ‘comrades engaging with each other’ and that there was no bargaining for positions going on.
According to the City Press, the Dlamini-Zuma camp currently only had two names on its list, vying for the top positions in the ANC – the doctor herself as president, and Free State premier Ace Magashule.
The Dlamini-Zuma camp are reportedly looking to add figures who will give legitimacy to her campaign in the same way deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa gave legitimacy to president Jacob Zuma’s last run.
Meanwhile, the Ramaphosa camp, which is said to be backed by ANC treasurer general Zweli Mkhize, is said to be enjoying growing popularity, particularly in Zuma’s stonghold of KZN, where Mkhize still holds sway.
You can read the full report in the City Press for 7 May 2017
Read: Ramaphosa gaining popularity in Zuma stronghold: report
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