Is Patriotic Alliance courting Moseme for Mangaung Metro mayoralty with ANC out?

Staff reporter

Bloemfontein – The Electoral Court order dismissing the African National Congress (ANC) appeal against the Independent Electoral Commission (IEC), after the party failed to submit its candidate lists for Mangaung Metro, is proving to be a costly but necessary mistake for the ruling party.

BREAKING NEWS | IEC to release candidates and Mangaung Metro will be up for grabs

With the South African Communist Party (SACP) seemingly the only option, or the ANC left with the possibility of supporting another party, Patriotic Alliance (PA) members in the metro say the party must put Ben “Ironman” Moseme’s name forward for the mayoralty.

“For some time, his name has come up in party corridors and we don’t know where it came from, but there is no fire without smoke,” said one PA insider.

“Maybe the party must come out clean and put his name up, but he will need to campaign as well.”

Another party insider said Moseme’s entrepreneurial background and education are what the party needs.

“He has a proven track record in business and is educated, unlike our brothers who only need matric from next door. He has broader appeal and can help dislodge the DA in the suburbs.”

Following the elections, all parties will have an opportunity to amend their lists.

VIDEO | PA is ‘the last hope’ for Mangaung, says campaign manager Hloni Mahapane

A source sympathetic to the current mayoral candidate, Sophia Swartz, however, questioned the suggestion of Moseme.

“What has he done for PA? Nothing. We have been grinding all along, and all of a sudden he is being mentioned. It’s not fair,” the source said.

The political landscape in South Africa has shifted, not just a bit, but hugely, with influence taking centre stage.

In previous national elections, journalist Songezo Zibi emerged as a political figure and is now in Parliament. Businessman Herman Mashaba joined the Democratic Alliance (DA) and previously led the City of Johannesburg before starting his own party, ActionSA.

This year, drug-busting activist Xolani Khumalo has also entered the political arena, while Skeem GP has joined former prison residents-businessmen turned politicians Gayton McKenzie and Kenny “Sushi” Kunene.

Mangaung Metro is like a sea full of pilchards, Sharks will follow the hot waters.

Ben Moseme could not be reached for comment.

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