By Celani Sikhakhane
The leadership of the uMkhonto Wesizwe (MK) Party has downplayed rumours that prominent KZN businessman and taxi owner Mandla Gcaba is tipped to be premier of the province.
Scrolla.Africa has learned from several sources that the issue of Gcaba’s position was discussed at a meeting attended by former president Jacob Zuma and expelled MK party founder Jabulani Khumalo.
“This is the meeting where Khumalo was told that he must resign as the party leader because the plan is not to make him a State President but to be a minister of state-owned entities. Then the issue of Gcaba being in line to be the premier of KZN was raised,” a source said.
MK party provincial coordinator Musa Mkhize said that only Zuma, as party leader, could decide and give direction on who should be KZN premier.
“So far on that issue there are few things that are needed: a person who has vast experience in government, who should be able to work with traditional leaders, churches, the taxi industry, and a person who would be able to attract investors in our province in order to provide job opportunities for our people; and a vibrant economy and the development of our communities,” said Mkhize.
He said the issue of Gcaba has never been discussed so far. Gcaba is a prominent businessman whose family has a good relationship with Zuma.
Former Public Works Minister Nathi Nhleko’s name has also emerged. A source said Nhleko’s name took centre stage after the MK party decided to remove its KZN number one candidate Dr Nhlanhla Ngidi, who is a former KZN director-general.
The DA in KZN claimed that it was able to stop the majority victory of the MK party. DA KZN leader Francois Rodgers says the DA remains committed to keeping the MK party and EFF out of government.
“This is a non-negotiable for us and those that voted for the DA,” he said.
Mkhize rejected the DA and said the issue of a coalition government is not at the centre of discussions.
“UMkhonto Wesizwe Party has won these elections. We took all the regions with a clean victory, therefore we have won the KZN province. All we are waiting for is the IEC to officially announce the results but the President has also indicated that we might take this matter of results to court.
“The MK Party result being displayed by the IEC is not the correct one, and not a true reflection of the one we received on the ground,” said Mkhize.
Scrolla.Africa has updated this story to reflect an official response from Mandla Gcaba.
Pictured above: Businessman Mandla Gcaba is tipped for KZN Premiership.
Image source: X
