Cyril Ramaphosa has been elected as the 15th president of the ANC following a whirlwind elective conference.
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The national president claimed 2,476 votes to finish ahead of fellow contender and presidential hopeful Zweli Mkhize. The former Treasurer-General (TG) and Health Minister came in second place with 1,897 votes.
The party’s elections saw Ramaphosa become the second president of the ANC to serve two terms after his predecessor, Jacob Zuma, held the position twice prior to his resignation, under pressure, in 2018.
Meanwhile, in a tight race in the election for the ANC’s deputy presidency, former Gauteng Premier and MEC for Human Settlements Paul Mashatile was elected, replacing David Mabuza.
Mashatile has made steady progress up the ruling party’s ranks and previously held the roles of TG and acting secretary general, respectively.
He won the election with 2,178 votes, thrashing his opponents, Ronald Lamola and Oscar Mabuyane, who were only able to claim 315 and 1,858 votes, respectively.
According to the electoral committee, four ballots were spoiled and seven delegates abstained from voting.
Past ANC presidents include John Langalibalele Dube, Sefako Mapogo Makgatho, Pixley Ka Isaka Seme, Oliver Tambo, Albert John Luthuli, Alfred Bitini Xuma, James Sebe Moroka, Zacharias Richard Mahabane, Josiah Tshangana Gumede, Nelson Mandela and Thabo Mbeki.
Over the weekend, South Africans had to wait to find out who will be at the helm of the ANC following delays in the voting process at the party’s 55th National Elective Conference this morning.
Moving away from the tradition of voting for the top six members, voters cast their ballots for seven individuals who will lead the party over the next five years.
The official list of nominees was signed and sealed in the early hours of Sunday morning, with Zweli Mkhize and Cyril Ramaphosa selected as presidential candidates.
Ronald Lamola, Oscar Mabuyane and Paul Mashatile are in line for the vice presidency, while Mdumiseni Ntuli, Phumulo Masualle and Fikile Mbalula are in the running to be the next secretary general.
However, the start of the nomination process was not spared any drama, with party members from various provinces at loggerheads in an effort to have their preferred candidates heard.
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