Cape Town - An ambassador, a cabinet minister and a former minister are being punted as potential saviours of the ANC in the Western Cape as members revealed their wish list for the party’s new leadership.
ANC members have named Shaun Byneveldt, the country’s ambassador to Syria, Science and Technology Minister Naledi Pandor, former minister Trevor Manuel, incumbent Marius Fransman and his deputy Abe Bekeer to lead the party in the province and unite warring factions.
Other names for the top five positions in the provincial leadership structure include Deputy Human Settlements Minister Zou Kota Fredericks and ANC MP Lerumo Kalako as deputy chairman; Songezo Mjongile, poo-thrower Andile Lili and the SACP’s Khaya Magaxa as provincial secretary; Connie September, Max Ozinsky and Hishaam Mohamed as deputy secretary; and Patrick Mngxunyeni, Truman Prince and Cameron Dugmore as treasurer.
The issue of slates took centre stage at the ANC’s recent provincial executive meeting last week when Fransman denounced the “slates” list culture in the ANC, saying unity should be the “name of the game”.
Slates are lists containing the names of preferred candidates – in most cases even without their knowledge – and party delegates were urged to vote for them.
But with the provincial ANC conference scheduled for the end of the month, no candidate has publicly announced that they are in the race for leadership.
Asked about his name being punted as a candidate for provincial leader, a surprised Byneveldt told the Cape Argus he had not been approached by anyone.
“This is news to me. My term as ambassador ends in December; it has already been extended twice so I’ve been kept busy on this side dealing with big issues.
“I’m not up-to-date about what is happening in local politics. I am far away from these things,” he added.
Minister Pandor said she had no comment as she had no knowledge of the list. Attempts to reach Manuel were unsuccessful.
Magaxa said he was in the dark about slates and was also not aware of it.
“I am a member of the provincial legislature and a PEC member – it ends there. For now I am happy and grateful for the position that I currently have,” he said.
When asked for comment, Dugmore said he had not been approached by any branch to stand as treasurer.
“While some nameless people might have a wish list, it is critical that there is a rigorous process in the days leading up to conference and during conference itself which will result in a united and inclusive team to take the ANC forward. As per the ANC constitution, the duly elected delegates have the responsibility. We cannot afford a factionalised leadership. A winner-takes-all approach will not build and unite the ANC.”
Several members also named well-connected ANC member and Mitchells Plain local Cheslyn Mostert as a key player in unifying party structures, but, asked if he had leadership ambitions, Mostert said he was not interested, conceding he had been approached by members.
“I’m just an ordinary member of the ANC and have no ambition to take up any leadership position in the ANC in this or any other province.”
Fransman has been outspoken about not endorsing any slate lists for the upcoming provincial election, this despite his name topping almost every list that has surfaced in recent weeks, with only one exception that saw his deputy Abe Bekeer’s name emerge on the top of a slate list.
While conceding that some factional lists had been circulated, Fransman said the provincial executive committee (PEC) believed lists brought division and allowed for factions to manipulate the outcomes.
“Nobody has approached me and therefore I reject any efforts to associate my name with a list. I have not endorsed any list. I will not be bargained into any position.”
Fransman called on members to follow democratic processes and not to create lists, drive wedges for factional gain, or abuse the situation. “In order for the ANC to live, lists and factions must die. Different to the period prior to 2011, the current leadership brought more stability to the ANC Western Cape. It is factions and lists that will increase divisions by those with lots of uncertainties trying to manipulate by lists. We cannot allow that to be sacrificed now by some for short-term factional gains,” he added.
Fransman took to Facebook over lists doing the rounds. “As I stated in the week to those that asked me to endorse such lists, my response is still the same. It is best not to support me if I refuse as leader to endorse any of these lists!” Fransman posted.
ANC members responded to Fransman’s post by giving their views.
Jonathan Vaas wrote: “ I fully agree, that lists just divide the organisation, and take us backwards.”
Daniel Plaatjies responded: “It’s probably time. Sekunjalo ke nako! For all and sundry contesting in your regions and province to take a national lead and openly speak about the different candidates for the contesting positions. Be brave, bold and take the lead!”
Cape Argus