The ANC has announced that it will have at least two women as its premier candidates. Dr. Phophi Ramathuba will be the new premier in Limpopo, replacing Stan Mathabatha, who has served two terms. In the Free State, Maqueen Letsoha-Mathae will replace Mxolisi Dukwana. The ANC secured a majority to govern alone in three provinces: the Eastern Cape, where Oscar Mabuyane remains the premier; the North West, where the party’s Deputy Chairperson Lazarus Mokgosi is the new premier; and Mpumalanga, where Mandla Ndlovu will be the premier..
Gauteng has reappointed Panyaza Lesufi as premier, and Dr. Zamani Saul will continue as the Northern Cape premier. The ANC believes that these leaders are capable of addressing the challenges in their provinces. However, the Western Cape and KZN are no longer under their control, as the DA won in these provinces and Allan Winde has become the premier of the Western Cape. In KZN, the premier candidate is yet to be decided as the MK Party has secured the largest majority in that province.
However, the National Freedom Party (NFP) has announced that it will go into coalition with the ANC, DA, and IFP in KwaZulu-Natal.
NFP leader Ivan Barnes is briefing the media after an intense meeting between the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and the National Executive Committee (NEC).
Barnes stated that the party is collaborating with other national parties to promote stability in South Africa. He emphasized the spirit of partnership and maturity that has characterized the negotiations, providing hope and inspiration to millions of South Africans. Additionally, Barnes mentioned that they are working at the national level to finalize key aspects of their participation in serving the people of the country. In the meantime, Secretary to Parliament Xolile George indicated that the inauguration of the new President is likely to take place next Wednesday.
George says the inauguration of the next President-elect must take place within five days of the first sitting of Parliament – as set out in the Constitution. “Within 5 days inauguration of the president must take place. Our duty will be to prepare members to attend the inauguration at the venue. It appears 19 June is the date for such an undertaking.”
