Standard Bank has flagged a “stealthy” run at the ANC presidency by treasurer general Paul Mashatile.
The ANC on Saturday confirmed the re-election of Paul Mashatile as the party’s Gauteng chairperson at its conference in Pretoria.
Gauteng premier David Makhura was elected deputy chairperson, according to spokesperson Zizi Kodwa.
The announcement of the elected officials was made on Friday night at the ANC’s 12th provincial elective conference in Pretoria. This was a day earlier than scheduled, and the party did not explain the reasons behind it.
“All the positions of the provincial officials were uncontested,” said Kodwa.
Mashatile, the former arts and culture minister, was booted out of Cabinet when President Jacob Zuma announced a reshuffle in May.
He was replaced by Nathi Mthethwa, who was moved from the police ministry.
Mashatile, an outspoken former Gauteng premier has maintained a hardline stance on e-tolling in the province.
At the conference of Friday, he told delegates that government agencies such as the South African National Roads Agency (Sanral) do not run the country.
“It’s not that I don’t like Sanral, but they must know their place. Government agencies don’t run the country, but the ANC does. I don’t like government agencies that take on politicians,” Mashatile said to applause and whistling.
“They must go and be elected first. We appoint officials to implement the policies of the ANC. Sanral cannot tell us what to do. We tell them what to do.”
Formerly Gauteng ANC’s secretary, Makhura took over the reins of the provincial legislature in May, replacing Nomvula Mokonyane.
Former Gauteng health MEC Hope Papo was elected provincial secretary, while former deputy health minister Gwen Ramokgopa was named deputy secretary.
Like Mashatile, Ramokgopa lost her government post in May when Zuma removed her as deputy health minister. She was previously the mayor of Tshwane.
Gauteng legislature speaker Ntombi Mekgwe was elected provincial treasurer.
“The ANC … wishes the delegates productive deliberations as they grapple with the important issues of advancing radical socioeconomic transformation,” Kodwa said.
Senior officials including Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa, former deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe, ANC deputy secretary general Jessie Duarte, treasurer Zweli Mkhize and ANC MP Winnie Madikizela-Mandela attended the conference, which started on Friday.
Former provincial chairs Tokyo Sexwale and Mathole Motshekga were also present.
The conference ends on Sunday, when President Jacob Zuma is due to make a keynote address.
More than 400 of the party’s Gauteng branches were in attendance. – Sapa