Radzilani ‘tipped’ for Limpopo’s top post despite VBS cloud

Calls for a female Limpopo Premier have gained momentum within the party structures of the ANC. This comes at the backdrop of Premier Stanely Mathabatha’s last term of office, as the country heads to the May 29 national and provincial elections.

Speaking to Y News, a leader in Vhembe Region says the chances of ANC Deputy Chairperson, Florence Radzilani, taking over the reins of the province’s administration are very high.

She was also the top favourite during the 2019 elections, which saw Mathabatha returning to office.

Limpopo Health MEC, Phophi Ramathuba, and ANCYL chairperson, Tonny Rachoene, are her current competitors for the provincial top post.

The regional leader, who spoke out of anonymity, says as per the party’s historic tradition, the deputy chairperson of the ruling party is expected to succeed an outgoing chairperson.

He believes that after the May 29 elections, Limpopo could finally have a historic shift of power by having the first female premier, as branches in Vhembe had confidently nominated Radzilani for the position.

He says this principle is destined to apply as the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) is expected to have a meeting over the provincial candidate list, which will be up for review after party’s NEC has weighed in on their recommendations.

He argues that despite Radzilani’s tainted image over her alleged involvement in the VBS mutual bank scandal, the branches in the province continue to support her as she is seen as an active leader who does not shy away from community issues.

He argues that his decision to speak out may result in a formal charge, as regions have been instructed to steer away from commenting on leadership positions due to a leaked provincial nomination list which is in the hands of ANC Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula.

He says the leak has sparked tensions between the Provincial Executive Committee and the party’s national office bearers.

For its part, SANCO says it will support any premier candidate the ANC will choose.

The organisation’s provincial secretary, Sipho Dikgale, says their stance is based on the governing party’s criteria, which stipulates that only candidates with a moral high ground will be nominated for public office.

Efforts to reach the ANC Limpopo spokesperson, Jimmy Machaka, for comment were unfruitful. Written by YNews Limpopo Correspondent, Bukuta Nkuna