Zuma’s Premier headache

PRESIDENT Jacob Zuma has had a week of sleepless nights after his party’s provincial leaders submitted male-dominated lists of premier candidates for the eight ANC governed provinces.

Among the names is that of ANC provincial boss Phumulo Masualle, the only candidate recommended for the top job in the Eastern Cape. He is now a favourite.

Sources said Dube is favoured by provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala.

North West Thandi Modise may not keep her job and could be replaced by Mahumapelo. Modise failed to make it to the party’s NEC list at the 2012 elective conference and has reportedly lost favour with Zuma.

Yesterday the ANCYL leadership in North West’s Modiri Ngaka Molema region called for a vote of no confidence against her after she and her executive failed to participate in some events attended by Zuma.

Sources close to the process yesterday said Zuma was being lobbied to use both the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal to address gender balance. It is believed this is why the provincial executive committee moved swiftly this week to announce Masualle as its sole candidate though ANC rules demand that provinces submit a shortlist of three.

“The rest of the provinces have strong lobbies for men. This will now create a conundrum for the president to appoint women in KZN and Eastern Cape hence decided to nominate one person in haste,” a source said.

The Dispatch has learnt that though Masualle was the only name submitted to Luthuli House, there are two other lobby groups in the province. One is behind premier Noxolo Kiviet and wants her to serve a second term. The surprise in the race is public works MEC Thandiswa Marawu who appears to have the backing of some at Luthuli House.

“Weren't you surprised that they made the announcement? Someone must have told them that Marawu is also in the race. By making that announcement, they limit the president’s choice.

“Conference said to recommend three names. If the PEC fails to submit three names, ANC officials will get other names,” said another senior source.

But the Eastern Cape provincial executive committee believes a decision not to appoint Masualle will be against the will of the people of the province.

This puts Zuma in a catch-22 situation. Another source said if Zuma went against the PEC’s will, he could be digging his own “political grave” as the party marches towards its 2017 elective conference.

“It remains his priority to have a leadership in his favour. How he chooses the premiers will determine his fate post his second term. He can either make us his friends or foes. It’s his choice,” a source fully behind Masualle said.

An announcement is expected next week. — abongilem@dispatch.co.za/zineg@dispatch.co.za