Despite not making the top five of the ANC Mpumalanga leadership after failing to secure a nomination during last weekend’s elective conference, premier Refilwe Mtsweni-Tsipane made it as an additional member.
Mtsweni-Tsipane, who made a brief appearance at the provincial conference, failed to muster up support that would have seen her in the top six of the provincial executive committee (PEC).
A reshuffling in the provincial government could be eminent as only two members of the cabinet made it to the PEC.
Those are newly elected provincial deputy secretary Lindiwe Ntshalintshali and ANC provincial spokesperson Sasekani Manzini — who made the cut to be an additional member alongside Mtsweni-Tsipane.
An ANC member from Enhlanzeni, who did not want to be named, said that a reshuffle was on the cards. “A reshuffling is eminent and the premier is lucky to make it to the PEC. That’s a sign she will still lead the provincial government.
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“Had she failed, she was going to be removed as premier,” said the insider.
Mtsweni-Tsipane, who comes from the RMT group, could have secured her seat as a result of late night lobbying with the Focus group, which eventually emerged as the winners after Mandla Ndlovu was elected provincial chair. Focus is said to be aligned to President Cyril Ramaphosa.
After nominations had concluded in the early hours of Saturday morning, Mpumalanga ANC Youth League spokesperson Zwelo Masilela was heard calling both the RMT and Focus groups. He said members of the two groups should stay behind. “We need to caucus,” he said.
Hours later, Ndlovu was elected provincial chair by 440 votes out of the 718 delegates that attended.
Speedy Mashilo was elected deputy chairperson while Muzi Chirwa was elected secretary.
Emerging as the only woman in the top five, Ntshalintshali was elected provincial deputy secretary.
Murder accused Mandla Msibi was elected provincial treasurer, a move that Ramaphosa told branches to reflect on.
Closing off the conference, Ramaphosa told delegates that the NEC would deliberate on Msibi’s election due to the ANC’s step-aside policy.
Msibi is charged with murder and attempted murder following a shooting at a Mbombela shisanyama in August last year.
He stepped aside from his position as agriculture MEC shortly after he was charged. Msibi accepted nomination in absentia in the early hours of Saturday morning via a letter to the conference.