- President Cyril Ramaphosa’s camp is grappling with a deadlock between two candidates vying to become his deputy.
- The impasse between vice-presidential hopefuls Oscar Mabuyane and Ronald Lamola could cost Ramaphosa dearly.
- Mabuyane has said that the ANC leadership in the Eastern Cape is not desperate for jobs.
A last minute caucus meeting in the field of ANC Chairman Cyril Ramaphosa has led to a deadlock between two candidates vying to become his deputy.
The tie between the vice-presidential candidates Oscar Mabuyane and Ronald Lamola It comes after both candidates refused to back down from their ambitions.
This could cost Ramaphosa dearly.
News24 understands that senior ANC members Mondli Gungubele and Derek Hanekom were sent to convince Lamola to withdraw from the race.
He has reportedly refused.
It is established that Lamola argued that he enjoyed more support across the country, unlike Mabuyane who only received nominations from the Eastern Cape.
Lúbabalo Oscar Mabuyane. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla/Gallo Images)
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Sources with knowledge of the discussions said the talks continued until Friday night, without a resolution on who would be the vice-presidential candidate in the Ramaphosa camp.
Pundits acknowledged that the deadlock gives current ANC treasurer general Paul Mashatile an advantage, even though his support in KwaZulu-Natal is shaky.
Lamola and Mabuyane are not backing down on their ambitions, despite a warning from a senior Ramaphosa lobbyist that their spat could cost the president.
Asked about the process, Mabuyane said he had only been nominated for vice president.
He said:
Let’s treat everything within flexible bands. We are not desperate for positions. The Eastern Cape, by their own assessment, has looked at where we need to supplement the president. All the other problems are basically people who are desperate for positions. If you don’t come right here, you go there. I am the Premier of the Eastern Cape, and the people still love me.
He also said behind-the-scenes lobbying would continue on the second day of the party’s national elective conference.
“We are talking to all the provinces, the team does not sleep. This leadership issue must be dealt with with flexible bands. It’s important to recognize that you have to work together, and if it’s going towards a consensual leadership push, don’t be silent. the door of that”.
Ronald Lamola. (Photo: Argief/Gallo Images)
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When asked about interruptions by ANC delegates, Mabuyane said: “The ANC only gained more momentum and strength when it was united. Even if there are challenges, we can skyrocket electoral support. When they see this chaos, voters don’t Go and vote.”
ANC spokesman Pule Mabe has called on ANC delegates to be open to the idea of spending the scheduled time to ensure the program is completed.
