Frank Chikane is the top contender to be Cope’s Gauteng premier, writes Mmanaledi Mataboge
Director general in the presidency and close Thabo Mbeki confidant Frank Chikane tops the Congress of the People’s (Cope) Gauteng list — despite his public statement that he is not a Cope member and has declined nomination.
The Mail & Guardian learned this week that Chikane remains Cope’s Gauteng premier candidate.
Party leaders, however, called Chikane’s disclaimer a ”PR exercise”, saying he is a Cope member. ”It’s obviously difficult for him to declare himself, because he’s still in government.”
Another source said the last high-level meeting between Chikane and Cope leaders took place on Wednesday this week.
Limpopo Premier Sello Moloto tops the list for that province, while Mpumalanga health minister Fish Mahlalela is also a provincial premier candidate — even though both are still ANC members.
Cope’s communications head, Phillip Dexter, said all candidates must be party members to qualify for nomination, but could not say how Cope would deal with provincial nominees who remain ANC members.
Spokesperson Palesa Morudu insisted that ”whoever is on the list will be a Cope member”.
The head of Cope’s selection commission, Barney Pityana, said he doubted those who were not card-carrying Cope members will make it to the final list. If this happens ”we will rely on the Cope leadership to guide us”, Pityana said.
Gauteng
If Chikane is a Cope member and accepts nomination, he would be the most senior ANC defector in recent months.
But he faces competition from the former mayor of Sedibeng district municipality and former Sanco leader, Mlungisi Hlongwane.
Another candidate, John Ngcebetsha, is a lawyer involved in the court bid to force companies to compensate apartheid victims.
North West
Former provincial social development minister Nikiwe Mangqo has a strong support base.
Less favoured premier candidates are former communications director general Lyndall Shope-Mafole and top government and corporate communicator Onkgopotse Tabane.
Limpopo
Sello Moloto remains a favourite as premier candidate, despite being an ANC member. Provincial convener Solly Mkhatshwa confirmed Cope has yet to speak to him about his nomination.
Unionist Willy Madisha is unlikely to accept nomination, as he is focusing on forming a new labour federation.
Eastern Cape
Mbeki’s former economic adviser, Wiseman Nkuhlu, is well placed to lead the province. Nkuhlu was recently removed as Eastern Cape Development Corporation chairperson, allegedly for his Cope involvement. A possible rival is Smuts Ngonyama, former ANC head of the presidency.
Free State
Former provincial education minister Papi Kganare is the most likely premier candidate — despite being a former ally of Free State ANC chairperson Ace Magashule.
Mpumalanga
Fish Mahlalela has served the provincial government since 1999 and chaired the provincial ANC until 2005. His rivals include Inkomazi Catchment Management Agency chief executive Sizile Ndlovu and former ANC Women’s League NEC member Zali Madonsela.
Northern Cape
Neville Mompati seems likely to come out tops for this position because of his popularity in the province. The former ANC provincial secretary is facing stiff competition from Fred Wyngaard, who resigned from his position as MEC for sports, arts and culture last year.
Western Cape
With strong church and coloured community support Allan Boesak is a shoo-in for the position.