Health Minister Manto Tshabalala-Msimang has expressed disappointment that a quota system, which she says is a principle of the African National Congress (ANC), had been compromised by the party’s women’s league, the South African Broadcasting Corporation reported on Saturday.
”I was not happy, absolutely not happy with the results of the voting, because what it meant is that we had shifted from the principled positions that this movement has taken, and in my view we are the ones that must protect the interests of the women in this country,” she said.
”I am sure my wish, if I rely and understand the comrades, is that we will make the 50% — it says at least 50%, we might make even more than 50%.”
Tshabalala-Msimang was addressing the North West ANC executive committee and alliance meeting in Rustenburg. The women’s league had on Monday nominated ANC deputy president Jacob Zuma to lead the ruling party. Their nomination in Zuma’s favour follows that of the ANC Youth League and five provinces, placing him in the lead for the party’s top job.
Tshabalala-Msimang has called on ANC members attending the party’s national conference in Limpopo in December to vote for women in high positions.
Meanwhile, the Saturday Star reported that ANC secretary general Kgalema Motlanthe has warned against fraudulent campaigning, buying votes and the danger of factional leadership for the ruling party.
Motlanthe, favoured by Zuma supporters as his deputy, warned that there was a strong chance that the 2009 process of choosing ANC MPs would be subverted even more.
”I hear of things being done with approval and active participation of members of the national executive council … assuming they are going to be elected at this conference, how will they exercise leadership tomorrow when they are turning a blind eye, giving their stamp of approval and even organising a network to lobby?” he told the Saturday Star.
Motlanthe said that Zuma would have to prove himself should he become president, saying that he could ”undermine or reinforce” fears by the way he leads. — Sapa