DURBAN - IN an apparent attempt to appease both factions ahead of the much-anticipated elective conference, ANC in eThekwini has put both Thabani Nyawose and former mayor Zandile Gumede's supporters in the top four positions on the list.
Although not guaranteed, it has been a party tradition that a mayor, deputy, speaker and chief whip comes from the first four names on the proportional representation (PR) list.
Nyawose tops the list, followed by Zama Sokhabase, a regional Women’s League chairperson and staunch supporter of Gumede. Third on the list is another Gumede strong backer, Nkosenhle Madlala, and Nyawose’s supporter Ntokozo Sibiya is at number four.
Sokhabase was on the executive committee (Exco) while Gumede was still mayor and has always been by her side during her string of court appearances in relation to the R430 million Durban Solid Waste tender corruption case.
Sokhabase was removed, together with Gumede, from the Exco and remained an ordinary councillor, but now, it looks like she will be making a strong comeback as she is likely to form part of the troika (mayor, deputy mayor and speaker).
Madlala, too, has been attending Gumede’s court appearances and marshalled her supporters outside the court. Madlala was used as programme director where Gumede would address supporters after the case.
Sibiya, who is currently on the Exco, appears on Nyawose’s slate as treasurer. It is widely believed the ANC wanted to balance the list so that both factions will put in a big effort during the campaigning.
Insiders also told the Daily News that the party did not want to look like siding with one faction.
Gumede supporters spokesperson Ntando Khuzwayo said although they do not understand how Nyawose became number one on the list as branches nominated Sokhabase and Madlala more than him, but they would respect the party’s decision because it has the final say on the PR list.
One of the factions within the eThekwini Municipality, the Rebuild, Renewal and Unity (RRU) lobbyist, who declined to be named, said apart from that Nyawose was topping the list because he was a branch favourite, they had confidence that he could be the mayor.
The lobbyist, who also sits on the regional task team, said they looked at the qualities and education level of the people who are at the forefront to form the troika. He said Nyawose, Sibiya and Sokhabase are university graduates and all have experience as councillors. Madlala also holds a bachelor’s degree and is currently a councillor.
Daily News