It is official – the battle for the ANC presidency between Jacob Zuma and Kgalema Motlanthe is on. Both have accepted their nominations for the position at the party’s Mangaung Elective Conference. Motlanthe has however withdrawn from contesting the position of deputy president, this leaves Cyril Ramaphosa, Matthews Phosa and Tokyo Sexwale vying for the position. Ace Magashule has also withdrawn his candidature for the position of National Chairperson, supporting Baleka Mbete. She will be up against Thandi Modise. Gwede Mantashe will contest the position of secretary general, along with Fikile Mbalula. Jessie Duarte has been nominated unopposed for the position of deputy secretary general. Two hundred voting booths will be set up for delegates at the conference to cast their votes for the new party leadership. ANC stalwart Andrew Mlangeni addressed delegates on the process of the election. He said no cellphones or any other electronic devices will be allowed at the booths. He also reiterated that counting will be done manually. Delegates have also been reminded that no canvassing – including singing – will be allowed once voting gets underway.
– By ANC President Jacob Zuma and his deputy Kgalema Motlanthe
