There are few surprises in Cosatu’s latest wish list for the ANC leadership. Its scorn for President Thabo Mbeki and his allies remains firm; only five Cabinet ministers and one of Mbeki’s top aides were included.
For the first time Cosatu released a list of 57 members for the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) after pronouncing on the top six officials at its central committee meeting in September. Last on the list is Joel Netshitenzhe, Mbeki’s close aide and the head of government’s policy unit. It is said that key people in Mbeki’s camp had to be included to ensure a smooth transition from an Mbeki presidency to a Zuma one. Businessman Cyril RamaÂphosa is included for the same reason.
Cabinet ministers who made it on to the list include Minister of Foreign Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who Cosatu wants as the national chairperson. The other candidate for this position was Minister of Sport Makhenkesi Stofile, who was moved to first position on the NEC list. Also included are Minister of Housing Lindiwe Sisulu, Minister of Arts and Culture Pallo Jordan and Minister of Transport Jeff Radebe.
The list is jam-packed with Mbeki detractors or those who have had run-ins with him in the past few years: former SANDF chief Siphiwe Nyanda, axed spy boss Billy Masetlha, former Limpopo premier Ngoako Ramathlodi, former ANC chief whip Tony Yengeni, previous Cape Town executive mayor Nomaindia Mfeketo and Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, who has not served on the NEC for the past five years. ANC Youth League president Fikile Mbalula and SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande, outspoken Zuma supporters, are also on the list.
The 57 directly elected candidates
1 Makhenkesi Stofile
2 Phumulo Masualle
3 Sisisi Tolashe
4 Angie Motshekga
5 DD Mabuza
6 Dina Pule
7 Jackson Mthembu
8 Nathi Mthethwa
9 Bathabile Dlamini
10 Joe Phaahla
11 Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
12 Joyce Mashamba
13 Thandi Modise
14 Nyami Booi
15 Nomaindia Mfeketo
16 Lynne Brown
17 Siphiwe Nyanda
18 Billy Masetlha
19 Ayanda Dlodlo
20 Fikile Mbalula
21 Thandi Tobias
22 Hazel Jenkins
23 Tina Joemat-Petersen
24 Ace Magashule
25 London Playfair Morule
26 Ebrahim Ebrahim
27 Lindiwe Sisulu
28 Winnie Madikizela-Mandela
29 Zweli Mkhize
30 Collins Chabane
31 Zwelinzima Vavi
32 Noluthando Sibiya-Mayende
33 Jessie Duarte
34 Blade Nzimande
35 Tony Yengeni
36 Ncumisa Kondlo
37 Ngoako Ramathlodi
38 Jeremy Cronin
39 Duma Ndleleni
40 Zoleka Capa
41 Thenjiwe Mthintso
42 Derek Hanekom
43 Pallo Jordan
44 Max Sisulu
45 Valli Moosa
46 Cyril Ramaphosa
47 Susan Shabangu
48 Febe Potgieter
49 Jeff Radebe
50 Lindiwe Zulu
51 Ellen Molekane
52 Janet Love
53 Nosipho Ntwanambi
54 Mojo Motau
55 Mcebisi Jonas
56 Louisa Mabe
57 Joel Netshitenzhe
The six top officials
President: Jacob Zuma
Deputy President: Kgalema Motlanthe
National Chairperson: Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
Secretary General: Gwede Mantashe
Deputy Secretary General: Baleka Mbete
Treasurer: Matthews Phosa