MONDAY, 8.00AM
GAUTENG health MEC Amos Masondo is leading the race for the provincial premiership, after winning the support of the ANC, the communist party, Cosatu and the SA National Civics Organisation at a marathon seven hour meeting yesterday (Sunday).
Trailing Masondo is deputy provincial chairman Mathole Motshekga, supported by the ANC Youth League and branches in the East Rand and Vaal Triangle. Two candidates, Paul Mashatile, the public works MEC, and Jabu Moleketsi, the economic affairs MEC, withdrew over the weekend.
Masondo, a former trade unionist and founder member of the old United Democratic Front, belongs to the inner circle of the party. Motshekga, a lawyer, is a relative newcomer to ANC politics, but demonstrated his support last year when he defeated Masondo for the deputy chairman position.