The ANC has announced at least two women as candidates for prime minister: Dr Phophi Ramathuba to replace two-term incumbent Stan Mathabatha in Limpopo, and MacQueen Letsoha Masae to replace Mxolisi Dukwana in the Free State.
The three provinces in which the ANC took power with a majority on its own were the Eastern Cape, where Oscar Mabuyane remains premier, the North West, where the party's deputy chairman Lazarus Mokgosi is the new premier, and Mpumalanga, where Mandla Ndlovu is the leader.
Gauteng will retain Panyaza Lesufi as premier, while Dr Zamani Sole will remain as Northern Cape premier.
The ANC says it believes its leadership team is well equipped to handle the challenges facing the provinces, both of which remain out of reach due to DA wins that gave Alan Winde the premiership and MK the largest majority in the provinces. A premier candidate for KZN has yet to be chosen.
However, the National Liberal Party (NFP) announced that it would form a coalition government in KwaZulu-Natal with the ANC, DA and IFP.
NFP leader Ivan Burns is briefing the media after a tense meeting of the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Burns said the party was negotiating at a national level with other parties to ensure stability in South Africa.
“The spirit of partnership and maturity that has characterized the negotiations is a source of inspiration and hope for millions of South Africans. Moreover, we want to demonstrate that we are working at a national level to ensure that key aspects of our participation are finalized in order to serve the people of this country,” Burns said.
ANC NEC convenes special meeting ahead of first Parliamentary session:
Meanwhile, Secretary to Parliament, Sholile George, said the inauguration of the new president is likely to take place next Wednesday.
George said the inauguration of the next president must take place within five days of the first session of Parliament, as mandated by the Constitution.
“The inauguration has to take place within five days. Our task is to prepare the venue so that our members can attend the inauguration. June 19 appears to be the date for such an endeavor.”
Parliamentary Secretary, Zolile George, will outline the process for selecting the Speaker, Deputy Speaker and President. #sabcnews pic.twitter.com/23p8pmnMLw
— Bulelani Phillip (@BulelaniPhillip) June 13, 2024