Zuma Reportedly To Be Recalled & Dlamini-Zuma Tops ANC’s New NWC Members
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) has reportedly decided to remove President Jacob Zuma as leader of South Africa, before their 2019 election campaign begins. The NEC also elected its new National Working Committee (NWC) members during a meeting on 18-19 January 2018 in Irene, Tshwane. According to the SABC, […]
The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) has reportedly decided to remove President Jacob Zuma as leader of South Africa, before their 2019 election campaign begins. The NEC also elected its new National Working Committee (NWC) members during a meeting on 18-19 January 2018 in Irene, Tshwane.
According to the SABC, although not on the agenda, the matter of Zuma’s removal was raised by the floor, and it was decided that it would be in the best interests of the country and the ANC party for Zuma to be removed.
Rather than oust him immediately it was decided that the top six officials should negotiate his removal, said the SABC. A timeframe could not yet be decided, but it’s believed the 75-year-old will be removed before the 2019 National Election Campaign begins… to avoid his presence having a negative outcome on votes.
The ANC’s NEC is expected to clarify the recalling of President Zuma tomorrow.
The ANC also decided – at its first ordinary meeting since its election at the 54th National Conference – to dissolve the KwaZulu-Natal and Free State Provincial Executive Committees, and establish interim structures.
The meeting held extensive discussion on the current political and economic environment, according to a press statement issued by the ANC on Saturday.
“The NEC agreed that the ANC must act decisively and with determination to rebuild the bond of trust between our people and the movement, restore the dignity of our movement, and reclaim the moral legitimacy of our movement,” said Secretary General Ace Magashule.
While Magashule did not refer in the statement to the recalling of Jacob Zuma as President of South Africa, it has been reported by several local outlets quoting unnamed sources in the meeting.
Magashule instead said the Officials, led by President Ramaphosa, will continue their engagement with President Zuma to ensure effective coordination between the ANC and government.
Zuma’s ex-wife Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who lost out to Cyril Ramaphosa in the ANC Presidential elections, received the most votes for the new NWC. Following criticism of the male-centric ANC Top Six, a majority of women were voted in – 12 women and 8 men (see below). Their main role is to carry out the decisions and instructions of the NEC and conduct the current work of the ANC.
In addition to the six Officials, the newly-elected members of the NWC are:
1. Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
2. Lindiwe Sisulu
3. Naledi Pandor
4. Jeff Radebe
5. Angie Motshekga
6. Derek Hanekom
7. Edna Molewa
8. Thoko Didiza
9. Nomvula Mokonyane
10. Nathi Mthethwa
11. Ronald Lamola
12. Tina Joemat-Pettersson
13. Dakota Legoete
14. Senzo Mchunu
15. Zizi Kodwa
16. Tony Yengeni
17. Bathabile Dlamini
18. Nomaindia Mfeketo
19. Barbara Creecy
20. Thandi Modise
The Presidents of each of the three leagues also serve on the NWC in an ex officio capacity.
The NEC will be holding its bi-annual lekogtla from 20-21 January 2018 to detail the programme for the movement in 2018. The announcement on Zuma’s future is expected after that.