Ramaphosa tightens ANC grip as allies dominate new NWC

Allies of ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa have swelled the ranks of the all-important national working committee (NWC).

The structure runs the day-to-day operations of the ANC and is elected directly from members of the national executive committee (NEC).

In its first ordinary meeting after the December conference the NEC yesterday elected a new 20-member NWC dominated by Ramaphosa’s camp.

The complete structure has 31 members which includes seven national officials, a spokesperson and the leaders of the three ANC leagues.

The 20 member list comprises of 19 known Ramaphosa backers, with the exception being Mdu Manana, who is sitting on the fence as far as factions go. The NWC recommends decisions to the NEC, which are rarely overturned. The NWC recommended that the ANC caucus vote against the adoption of the controversial Phala Phala parliamentary report, one of the last reports to be tabled at the 54th NEC. Topping the NWC list is Ramaphosa’s strongest ally, human settlements minister Mmaloko Nkhensani Kubayi, followed by fisheries minister Barbara Creecy as well his most vocal supporter, finance minister Enoch Godongwana.

Among the younger members expected to do Ramaphosa’s bidding in the NWC are new NEC member Nonceba Mhlauli, small business minister Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams and former KwaZulu-Natal secretary Mdumiseni Ntuli.

Some NWC members have been loyal to Ramaphosa from his accession as president in 2017, including communications minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni and intelligence deputy minister Zizi Kodwa.

David Mahlobo and Tina Joemat-Petterson, loyal to former president Jacob Zuma, have switched sides and are the surprise inclusions in the NWC. The two were part of the many Zuma supporters during his destructive state capture tenure. The make-up of the new NWC is proof that Ramaphosa is firmly in charge of the ANC following his first term. The previous NWC was the result of a negotiated settlement and included a number of his opponents, such as Bathabile Dlamini, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Dakota Legoete, Lindiwe Sisulu and Tony Yengeni.

Meanwhile, as part of Ramaphosa’s complete takeover this weekend, the Sunday Times understands that in his capacity as the president of the republic he will this coming week announce a national state of disaster because of the energy crisis in the country.

The decision is expected to be announced on Tuesday when ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula announces the NEC and NEC lekgotla decisions.