Johannesburg - The African National Congress Women's League in Gauteng decided on Friday that it wants President Jacob Zuma to stay on as the ANC's leader.
“We should give him a chance to finish what he started... The provincial executive committee wants change, but we don't,” said ANCWL Gauteng chairperson Patricia Chueu.
Around 30 ANCWL Gauteng members, including members of its provincial executive committee and regional executive committee, took part in nominations for a preferred leader of the ANC in Boksburg on Monday. The proceedings were closed to the media.
Afterwards, Cheu said they wanted Zuma to continue with the work he had started.
“Four of the regions have backed Zuma. Only Sedibeng voted for Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe,” said deputy chairperson Nonhlanhla Ndaba.
Businessman Cyril Ramaphosa was nominated as deputy chairperson, Gwede Mantashe as secretary-general, and Jesse Duarte as deputy secretary-general.
It had yet to vote on national executive committee (NEC) nominees. The ANCWL said it would deploy more women to the NEC.
“We have agreed that 50 percent of women should take up seats in the NEC,” said deputy secretary Faith Mazibuko.
Among them would be Cheu, Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane, and Ministers Edna Molewa, Maite Nkoane-Mashane, Lindiwe Sisulu and Ayanda Dlodlo.
“We believe that they can properly represent us... They will put the gender agenda on the ANC agenda all the time, “ said Mazibuko. - Sapa