Supporters of presidential hopeful Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma in Gauteng’s West Rand have been dealt a blow as opponent Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa emerged as the favourite ahead of next month’s African National Congress (ANC) elective conference.

Dlamini-Zuma’s staunch supporters in the region include Water Affairs Minister Nomvula Mokonyane, Cooperative Governance Minister Des Van Rooyen and ANC Youth League (ANCYL) Treasurer Reggie Nkabinde. They all failed to convince branches to pick the former African Union Commission chairperson.

Merafong held 23 branch general meetings (BGMs), Rand West held 34 while Mogale City held 30.

Dlamini-Zuma got the nod from one branch in Merafong, while Ramaphosa was endorsed by the rest of the 22 branches.

In Rand West, Ramaphosa received support from 33 branches, with one branch supporting Dlamini-Zuma.

All 30 branches in Mogale City endorsed Ramaphosa.