Kubayi to contest ANC deputy presidency

Human Settlements minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has been endorsed by local party structures to contest the deputy presidency of the African National Congress. This was announced at a party function in honour of Women’s Month on Soweto on Saturday.

The ANC Johannesburg ANC young women’s desk leader Pinkie Numa, who heads the party’s desk for young women in Johannesburg, pointed out that the ANC had no women in its ‘Top Six’ at present. She remarked: ‘That is why we are saying unashamedly “Comrade, go and represent us in that top six. Comrade, if it is capacity they are looking for, then surely, they cannot fault you on that”.’

Kubayi that she would accept nomination if it was formally offered when the process opened in the coming weeks, commenting: ‘I will accept the nomination when the time arrives when it is made. No branch has nominated me formally, but my branch has said they want to start the process so we can go. Those who say they support me will have to crisscross the country. It is not only my branch. There are several supporters. We believe there is a chance for us to be able to contest, and we will take that stride.’

In line with party tradition, she signalled her commitment to the party and willingness to accept roles required of her: ‘As a true cadre of the movement, I have served the ANC, and I grew up in this movement. I do not think there is one thing anyone can say that prohibits me [from accepting] the nomination when that time arrives.’

Kubayi has argued that the ANC’s constitution needs to stipulate that half of its Top Six should be women.

 [Image: https://www.flickr.com/photos/governmentza/49958539873]