The ANC in the Northern Cape won with 57,5% of the total votes counted in Wednesday's general elections. Speaking at a media briefing at the Francis Baard Municipality in Kimberley, the party's Secretary in the province, Deshi Ngxanga, said though they may have won the elections, the decline in voter numbers is proof that the party needs to re-win the confidence of its supporters in the province.

Ngxanga said owing to the seriousness of the situation in the province, the incoming leadership will then be given 50 days to address critical respective issues at various communities and 100 days as per the party's tradition. "We want action. President Cyril Ramaphosa said he is tired of excuses..."

"We also don't want any excuses... So we'll have a meeting with them as soon as they've been appointed in their positions next week and they will hit the ground running," he said. 

The party's provincial executive committee has, with the approval of its alliance partners already identified, three individuals suited for the positions of Premier but Ngxanga first needs to consult the party's higher structures before he could reveal these names. He also hinted that it may be that another woman will be elected towards the Premier position. 

On 22 May 2019, the Northern Cape Legislature will hold it's first sitting in this quinquannium, where his name and others elected by the parties to lead the provincial government will be announced. Upon the request of media present at the briefing, Nxanga also said he may announce the names of three candidates eligible for the Premier position prior to the legislature sitting later this month.

OFM News