Pietermaritzburg – The ANC intends to stop divisive inter-party canvassing in the run up to party elections, otherwise known as “slates”, ANC MP and national executive committee (NEC) member Jackson Mthembu, said on Sunday.
Mthembu was addressing a press conference at the ANC KwaZulu-Natal provincial elective conference at the Pietermaritzburg Royal Showgrounds shortly after the new provincial leadership was announced on Sunday morning.
Sihle Zikalala was elected KwaZulu-Natal chairman, defeating incumbent Senzo Mchunu, premier of the province.
Answering questions at the press conference, Mthembu said the NEC was aware of slates being used in the provincial election.
“The NEC and ANC [are] working to rid the ANC of the politics of slates,” he said.
The new leadership elected alongside Zikalala is Willies Mchunu deputy chairman, Super Zuma provincial secretary, Mluleki Ndobe deputy provincial secretary, and Nomusa Dube-Ncube treasurer. All belonged to a single slate that began circulating several months ago.
Slates are frowned upon within the ANC. A “slate” refers to a list of preferred candidates, often representing a faction within the party.
While those on the list may not publicly acknowledge being on the slate, it allows canvassing at branch level and lobbying for block voting.
There is always the danger that party members belonging to a rival losing slate may be purged from government and ANC positions.
– African News Agency (ANA