THURSDAY, 8.00AM
THE LEADING candidate for the vacant post of National Party leader, Wstern Cape Premier Hernus Kriel, announced on Wednesday he will not stand because he is “of the same era” as predecessor FW De Klerk and a younger leader is required.
There was also continued talk yesterday that the National Party might return to the Government of National Unity — which would force the ANC to fire some of its own cabinet ministers.
THURSDAY, 3.30PM
National Party Mpumalanga leader David Malatsi said on Thursday morning he has not yet decided whether to make himself available for the NP leadership.
He said his decision will depend on who else emerges as candidates. “For the moment I’m keeping my options open,” he said.
Malatsi is the only black contender being mentioned at this stage for the post being vacated by FW de Klerk on September 9.
THURSDAY, 5.30PM
National Party KwaZulu-Natal leader Danie Schutte on Thursday confirmed that he will stand as a candidate in the NP leadership race. Schutte and NP executive director Martinus van Schalkwyk are the only two confirmed candidates.
Meanhwile, the National Party said on Thursday that reports that De Klerk is to receive two pensions are wrong. The party said that De Klerk, as former state president, will only received one pension of R251 882pa.