Stan faction to clinch ANC strongholds

African National Congress (ANC) Limpopo mayoral candidates aligned to branches supporting Premier Stan Mathabatha’s camp are perceived to be ready to clinch traditional strongholds across the province come the local government elections of 3 August.
The party line-up reportedly put forth by its Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) contains elements of somewhat of a factional candidate’s mix that is backed by decisions based on preferences largely dictated by branches in the Sekhukhune, Waterberg, Vhembe and Peter Mokaba Regions. The ANC’s Mopani region was the exception to the rule, where Regional Executive Committee (REC) decision seemingly tipped the balance instead of branch support.
From inside party ranks comes the assurance that no other political affiliation would be allowed to topple any of the ANC power bases from Musina to Lephalale and Tzaneen to Mogalakwena. The list of preferred names for mayoral candidates put forth by the ANC in Limpopo ahead of what is believed to be a contest of individuals as much as it is of party affiliation, has reportedly been finalised earlier this week for ratification by the National Executive Committee (NEC) of the ruling party.
The final decision of the ruling party’s PEC solidifies 70% of province-wide preference towards candidates from Mathabatha’s faction, it was learnt. According to a source the notion was supported by 100% of branches in Sekhukhune, 90% in Waterberg, 80% in Vhembe and 90% in Peter Mokaba Regions in favour of a line-up linked to the Mathabatha alliance. The picture in Mopani Region apparently looks much different with a reported estimated 40% branch support in favour of Mathabatha’s people, it was added.
According to information this week’s processes confirmed the name of John Mpe for ANC’s preference for take-over as executive mayor at Capricorn District Municipality (CDM). In a factional surge the choice for Polokwa­ne city’s candidate fell squarely on Thembi Nkadimeng as firm favourite to stay on in the current position of Executive Mayor, said the source. Some of the contenders for certain bases across the province would apparently remain unchanged in their positions in the case of the ANC maintaining rule depending on local government elections voter results.
From another source it was learnt that the perceived ambition of current CDM Executive Mayor Gilbert Kganyago to retain the seat was seen to be dealt a fatal blow, as was ANC Peter Mokaba Regional Chairperson Dewet Monakedi’s apparent objective to claim the Polokwane position in the ANC line-up. It was stressed that the move to exclude Monakedi would apparently hamper efforts to propel him towards future provincial chairpersonship.

Story: YOLANDE NEL
>>observer.yolande@gmail.com

Photo: Thembi Nkadimeng, Executive Mayor.