The leadership of the Enhlanzeni African National Congress (ANC) Regional Executive Committee (REC) in Mpumalanga has resolved to endorse the decision by the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) to rally behind nine people nominated as additional members for the party’s National Executive Committee, following a special REC meeting on Thursday, as branches prepare for the party’s National Conference in December.

The Enhlanzeni Region has stated its support for President Cyril Ramaphosa’s second term with Ronald Lamola as his Deputy.

Among the officials nominated as additional NEC members are Deputy Minister of Tourism Fish Mahlalela; Mpumalanga MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism Vusi Mkhatshwa; former director of road safety in the Mpumalanga community safety, security and liaison department, Welcome Nkuna; and former REC and PEC member Gary Navara.

According to Enhlanzeni regional secretary Folas Sibuyi, the nominations are based on the renewal strategy of the organisation, to be led by a young leaders and a knowledgeable cadre-ship.

“Our renewal strategy means that we need to nominate people who are young and experienced. We are confident that our candidates are worthy and capable of assisting that possibility become a reality,” said Sibuyi.

The Enhlanzeni region (Bushbuckridge, Mbombela, Thaba Chweu and Nkomazi) also wants four of its officials who are currently serving as additional members in NEC to return a second time.

These members include Reginah Mhaule, Violet Siwela, Candith Mashego and David Mahlobo.

“The decision to nominate such cadres is with a mission to grow as an organisation and if we have more of our regional officials, it means we are gaining capacity,” Sibuyi said.