South Africa: The President of South Africa, Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa, has once again become the leader of the governing African National Congress (ANC) by defeating his rival Mr. Zweli Mkhize by 579 votes.
Mr. Ramaphosa was elected despite allegations of money laundering and a surge in support for Mr. Mkhize, who has also been accused of corruption. Both leaders denied the allegations.
The victory enables the president to lead the ANC in the 2024 election.
Mr. Ramaphosa is still at risk, as he is involved in an accusation and is being investigated by the police, the tax office, and the central bank over allegations that he stashed at least $580,000 in a sofa at his private farm and then covered up its theft.
A panel of legal experts, appointed by the speaker of parliament, stated that the president must be impeached as he may have both violated the constitution and broken anti-corruption legislation.
The president has denied all the accusations against him, and has launched legal action to annul the panel’s report.
ANC Electoral Committee head, Mr. Kgalema Motlanthe, stated that 4384 votes were cast even though there were 4436 eligible voters at the conference.
Former ANC Treasurer-General Mr. Paul Mashatile was elected as the Deputy President with 2178 votes. For National Chairperson, Mr. Gwede Mantashe retained his position beating Mr. Stanley Mathabatha by 44 votes. For Secretary-General, Mr. Fikile Mbalula won with 1692 votes to Mr. Phumulo Masualle’s 1590 votes.
Ms. Nomvula Mokonyane won as First Deputy Secretary-General, beating Ms. Tina Joemat-Pettersson by 50 votes, and Ms. Maropene Ramokgopa came out on top with 2373 votes to Ms. Ronalda Nolumango’s 1948 votes for the position of Second Deputy General. For Treasurer-General, Ms. Gwen Ramokgopa won with 1809 votes.
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