DURBAN - AS THE race for the provincial leadership of the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal heats up, senior provincial party member Jomo Sibiya has added his voice to the fray, saying chairperson Sihle Zikalala has offered unparalleled leadership during a challenging time.
Zikalala is attempting to secure a second term as chairperson at the provincial conference later this year, while the radical economic transformation (RET) faction is proposing either eThekwini mayor Mxolisi Kaunda or Finance MEC Nomusa Dube-Ncube as candidates.
Sibiya, who is also MEC for Human Settlements and Public Works and is considered by many to be close to the Cyril Ramaphosa faction, said: “We need to rise above the current situation and not gamble with the ANC. We need to fix the party and overcome challenges together.”
“There is never absolute stability and there are always gaps but he has led at the most difficult time in KZN including with transition, need for renewal, ill-discipline, the pandemic, the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma and its impact, followed by the looting in July.
“There was also the passing away of the king, which went beyond politics, and the issues within the Shembe church.”
Sibiya said Zikalala had also overseen recent regional conferences, which were held under peaceful conditions, unlike in previous years.
Sibiya warned that the party should not focus on internecine battles.
Far North regional secretary Verus Ngcamphalala confirmed yesterday that he had taken to social media to endorse Zikalala for a second term as provincial chairperson.
“He has offered stability in KZN and since 2015 has united the warring factions in the province. The provincial executive committee has opened the discussion on endorsement and it is a matter that will be decided when the branches convene.
“It is crucial for stability and to boost investor confidence … we need a leader like Sihle Zikalala to continue,” Ngcamphalala said.
“We need to sober up and unite around the leadership of Zikalala who has a vision for the party and the province.”
Political analyst Professor Bheki Mngomezulu said: “Right now, there are two factions and that goes right through from the NEC, NWC right down to provincial structures. Closer to the elections, people will cross the floor, do a balancing act, see which faction is doing better and join that one.”
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