Makana can look forward to fast-tracked development and improved infrastructure now that President Jacob Zuma has been elected as leader of the ruling party for a second term.
Makana can look forward to fast-tracked development and improved infrastructure now that President Jacob Zuma has been elected as leader of the ruling party for a second term.
That's according to Makana ANC sub-regional chairperson Mncedisi Boma, who was over the moon this week after the ANC's 53rd National Congress in Mangaung announced its top six National Executive Committee members.
The next move was to ensure that the Eastern Cape had a strong representation in the NEC, with additional members being elected yesterday.
Grinning from ear to ear at the Makana municipal offices on Tuesday, Boma's first words to Grocott's Mail were Woohoo, hurray! I feel very happy because this is the [outcome]we have been lobbying for in the majority of our branches and we supported this [outcome].
As the sub-regional chairperson I am relieved that the branches' [preference]has emerged in the conference, he said. Boma said the move to elect President Jacob Zuma for a second term was aligned with leadership policies.
The National Development Plan, and Infrastructure… it is that leadership which came up with those policies. Now the second term will see the policies being implemented, transforming the economy and doing things faster, he said.
The President was granted Freedom of Makana in a ceremony in Church Square last July.
The ANC revealed the six in contention for the top spot on Tuesday.
Zuma beat Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe with 2 983 votes to 991.
Businessman Cyril Ramaphosa was elected deputy president, with 3 018 votes to Mathews Phosa's 470 and Tokyo Sexwale's 463. Ramaphosa will take over from current deputy Motlanthe, who was nominated for the position but withdrew on Monday. Baleka Mbete retained her position as chairperson of the party, winning 3 010 votes to Thandi Modise's 939.
Gwede Mantashe also kept his post of secretary general, winning 3 058 votes to Fikile Mbalula's 901. Jesse Duarte was elected unopposed as deputy secretary general.
The treasurer general's position went to Zweli Mkhize, who took 2 988 votes over Paul Mashatile's 961.
Boma said eight delegates from eight Makana wards represented the sub-region. Among those attending were Executive Mayor Zamuxolo Peter representing Ward 1, Council Speaker Rachel Madinda-Isaac (Ward 11), councillor Mabhuti Matyumza (Ward 2) and Nombulelo Masoma (Ward 6). The eight wards that had gone to Mangaung, he said, were those that had passed an audit.
ANC Women's League Regional Convener Nomhle Gaga agreed that the results reflected what they'd wanted as the sub-region.
As the Women's League, we were never confused. As women we believe in continuity and change and the results [are]exactly what we wanted. We are also happy that the women who are there are there on merit – not just because they are women. There is no continuity without change, said Gaga.
The party's provincial spokesperson Mlibo Qoboshiyane, said in a statement, We are happy that comrades elected at the 53rd Conference are as nominated by delegates to our provincial nominations conference.The focus now is to ensure that the Eastern Cape has a strong representation in the NEC, as additional members are being elected today. Our delegates to this conference will now focus on other critical matters of conference such as policy discussions.
