Joburg - With reports that KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo and Mpumalanga are now backing presidential candidate Dr Zweli Mkhize, an upset for the ANC president is possible after Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Lindiwe Sisulu declined nominations from the floor in their bid to enter the race.
In the early hours of Sunday, Dlamini Zuma sang and cheered in support of Mkhize’s bid to topple President Cyril Ramaphosa, who is eyeing a second term as ANC president.
Following reports of overwhelming support and a swing in votes from provinces such as Limpopo and Mpumalanga, Mkhize appears to be the clear winner, if early indications of overwhelming support from at least six provinces are to be believed.
Yesterday, Mkhize took his campaign a notch higher after he went on a charm offensive and addressed delegates gathered outside Nasrec before the start of the voting process, which was expected to start towards the end of the day.
Mkhize was flanked by NEC members including Bathabile Dlamini, Phumulo Masualle, Tandi Mahambehlala and other leaders from KZN, Limpopo and other provinces.
Another MEC who made an appearance was Lindiwe Sisulu, who did not receive enough votes to contend for treasurer-general after she was nominated from the floor.
Sisulu has since abandoned her own race to become ANC president and thrown her weight behind Mkhize.
As a result, the race for the ANC presidency has devolved into a two-horse race between Ramaphosa and Mkhize, one that appears set to go down to the wire by the end of day three of the 55th ANC National Conference.
Outside Nasrec, a buoyant Mkhize told delegates to use their votes to ensure the ANC was returned to its former glory, while delegates shouted and sang in support of his presidential race bid.
“We want Zweli. We want Zweli!” shouted some of the delegates as they rallied behind Mkhize before the voting process at the conference.
Speaking to members of the party on the sidelines of the conference, Mkhize urged members to continue their support of his candidacy.
“We are here to bury factions. We are here to bury the cabal. We are here to build a united and strong ANC that will focus on ensuring prosperity for all. We all know that as comrades, we have different views. Tell them, as well as those who are against you, that you are also voting in their interests. Tell them they must trust us, and the ANC needs all of us,” Mkhize told his supporters.
The Star