One of the African National Congress (ANC) presidential hopefuls, party Treasurer General Dr Zwelini Lawrence Mkhize, says the problem currently facing the ruling party is rooted amongst leaders who are out to serve themselves and not the people.
In September 2017, Zweli Mkhize announced that he will accept nomination to be the next President of the ANC at the December conference.
Born in 2 February 1956 Willowfontein, Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, Mkhize studied medicine at the University of Natal and worked as a doctor.
Mkhize says he is prepared to serve and help rebuild the ANC and its image if branches nominate him for ANC Presidency.
He is known to play a unifying role in the party and has been vocal against factionalism in the ANC.
Amid the economic challenges facing South Africa, Zweli Mkhize played an active role in promoting radical economic transformation.
He is respected in ANC, government and business circles.
Mkhize started serving in the ANC as a member of its national health secretariat. This was a structure that was tasked with the responsibility of developing the country’s health policy.
In 1994 Mkhize was appointed as the MEC for health. He remained in this position for 10 years.
In 2004 Mkhize was appointed the MEC for Finance and Economic Development in KwaZulu-Natal as well as the chairperson of ANC’s MNational Education and Health subcommittee.
In 2009 he was designated ANC candidate for Premier of KwaZulu-Natal and was elected to that position.
He was elected ANC chairperson in KwaZulu Natal in 2008 and was re-elected in 2012. He served as the chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal since 2009 until 2017.
He was elected as Treasurer General of the ANC at the 53rd National conference in December 2012, which prompted him to step down as Premier of KZN.
Controversy
Mkhize has refuted claims in a City Press article published on Sunday that he advised Fezekile “Khwezi” Kuzwayo to drop rape charges against President Jacob Zuma.
The newspaper story is based on book written by journalist and radio personality Redi Tlhabi on Kuzwayo.
Support
Branches in KwaZulu-Natal have nominated Zweli Mkhize to become the next ANC President.
The ANC’s Ukhahlamba region is the second in KwaZulu-Natal to endorse Mkhize as its preferred candidate.
The Secretary of United Congregational Church of Southern Africa, Mkhuseli Vuso says Mkhize is an exemplary leader.
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