The Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on Tuesday endorsed Zweli Mkhize as its preferred presidential candidate as the party prepares for the party's fifty-fifth National Elective Conference in December.

Mkhize, who was the Minister of Health, carries with him allegations of corruption related to Covid-19 funds.

Announcing the outcomes of a special meeting convened by the ANC PEC, provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo said the party in the province was encouraged by the manner in which branches of the ANC and regions had managed discussions on leadership preferences.

He said the robust and democratic discussions were anchored under the theme ‘Festival of Ideas’.

“We reiterate our position that this is a year where all of us are involved in deep reflection about the journey we have travelled since the last elective conference held in Nasrec in 2017, in our collective quest to build a democratic and prosperous society which occupies pride of place in the table of other nations,” said Mtolo.

The province is also backing Paul Mashatile as Mkhize’s deputy, Phumulo Masualle as secretary-general and Nomvula Mokonyane as deputy secretary-general.

Mtolo outlined that the position for treasurer general is to be discussed and added that the province preferred a vibrant and energetic woman leader.

ESKOM CRISIS

On the rampant load-shedding, the PEC wants the suspension of Eskom CEO Andre De Ruyter.

The PEC suggested that Eskom needs a chairperson, a CEO and senior management with operational electricity and engineering experience.

Mtolo said that they believed and supported coal-powered energy.

“Critically, over the years, we had mining operations – including coal mining for energy in various parts of the province. To date we export coal that sustains energy provisions in many countries all over the world – that we prefer not to mention,” Mtolo added.