NATIONAL NEWS - The party discussed the matter during its three-day national executive committee (NEC) meeting, which concluded in Irene, east of Pretoria, yesterday.
Earlier the NEC had rejected the names of the North West legislature speaker and acting ANC provincial secretary, Susan Dantjie, former education MEC Reverend Johannes Tselapedi and current agriculture MEC Manketsi Tlhape, which were submitted by the ANC provincial executive committee (PEC).
The three are known to be allies of embattled former premier Supra Mahumapelo, who recently stepped down. But Mahumapelo remains ANC provincial chairperson, a powerful position that could make him the overseer of the new premier.
However, the ANC allies in the tripartite alliance are opposed to the appointment of any Mahumapelo supporters as his replacement. Instead the SACP, Cosatu, and Sanco would prefer party stalwart Zakes Tolo or provincial ANC deputy chairperson Sello Lehari, who is MEC for education in the North West.
It remains to be seen whether one of the two would be chosen for the position, but analysts believe a woman might emerge to succeed Mahumapelo and that would be in trend with the appointments of women Sisi Ntombela and Refilwe Mtshweni as premiers of Free State and Mpumalanga respectively. But the analysts said the ANC would look for someone who would be able fix the problems caused by Mahumapelo and his followers in the province.
Another name being touted was that of national council of provinces chairperson Thandi Modise. Many saw Modise as the right person to fill the position since she had served as premier between 2010 and 2014 when she was replaced by Mahumapelo.
