The ANC Veterans’ League in Limpopo has sounded the alarm regarding the selection of candidates for the upcoming 2024 elections, citing a contentious relationship between the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and the Provincial List Committee (PLC).
Sechaba Nkoana, the provincial secretary of the Veterans’ League, has expressed dissatisfaction and disappointment in a letter addressed to the party’s Electoral Committee, highlighting what he perceives as “incessant interference” by provincial ANC officials in the candidate selection processes for 2024.
The PLC and list administrators, appointed by the Electoral Committee, are responsible for overseeing the nomination process. This involves conducting interviews and screenings for candidates nominated by party branches to stand for positions in Parliament or provincial legislatures.
In the letter obtained by Daily Maverick, Nkoana condemns what he calls the “treacherous behavior” of certain unnamed ANC leaders who, according to him, are using the media to advance factional interests. The letter accuses the ANC PEC officials of compromising the integrity of the candidate list processes and disrespecting the authority of the PLC.
The letter claims that members of the PLC were accused prematurely by the PEC of mishandling and manipulating the candidate list processes before the procedures were completed. Nkoana asserts that PEC officials are deeply conflicted and cannot be relied upon to ensure a fair and unbiased process.
The ANC Limpopo spokesperson, Jimmy Machaka, responded to the allegations, stating, “There was not any manipulation. Let’s await the outcomes of the report to the PEC.” He emphasized that the party would only know the outcomes of the candidate list processes when the report is presented at the extended PEC meeting.
This development follows a recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting where the ANC leadership expressed concern over the low turnout of branches for the nomination process. Despite internal challenges, Limpopo was noted for its exemplary participation in the processes.
The ANC aims to nominate up to 200 candidates for Parliament, with each of the nine provincial legislature lists requiring a minimum of 30 and a maximum of 80 candidates. The party’s constitution guarantees President Cyril Ramaphosa the candidacy for President of the country.
Branch nominations have concluded, and the focus is now on vetting each candidate and conducting interviews for premier candidates. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri emphasized the party’s commitment to a meticulous and credible candidate selection process, denouncing recent leaks and affirming the organization’s adherence to specific standards for candidate eligibility.