Cyril Ramaphosa is making a comeback to the top position of the African National Congress (ANC), which he previously held. The new leadership was elected by delegates at the ANC's 55th National Conference on a ticket of renewal and unity. After adding a position for a second deputy secretary general, the ruling party now has seven leaders, rather than the top six that has been the norm over the years.
During the course of the five-day political gathering and horse-trading, there was a great deal of uncertainty.But first thing on Monday morning, the most anticipated part of the programme began in the plenary. Kgalema Motlanthe, chairperson of the election committee for the African National Congress, made the announcement of the results.
Both Comrade Mkhize Zwelini and Comrade Ramaphosa Cyril have a total of 1,897, while Comrade Ramaphosa Cyril has a total of 2,476.
A resounding round of applause greeted the announcement that Cyril Ramaphosa would continue to serve as President of South Africa for the next five years. Ramaphosa won the election by a margin of 579 votes over his closest rival, Mkhize.
Gwede Mantashe was able to hold on to his position as national chairperson of the ANC despite only winning by a margin of 44 votes.
After the announcement of the new leadership, Mbeki gave an interview to Eyewitness News in which he stated that he was content with the decisions that were made by the delegates.
Others from KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) have voiced their disapproval of Cyril Ramaphosa's re-election as president of South Africa.
Mbeki, who gave the impression of being optimistic, was in the front row when the results were announced.He explained his position by saying, "As a former president of the ANC, I am required to be non-partisan; therefore, I am neutral, and I am happy whatever the conference selects."
