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Malema predicts a Ramaphosa victory in ANC vote

Friday December 15 2017
Malema

Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader Julius Malema. Mr Malema has gained notoriety for predicting developments in the governing party. PHOTO FILE | AFP

By PETER DUBE

Former African National Congress Youth League leader Julius Malema has predicted a Cyril Ramaphosa victory in this weekend’s election.

Mr Malema is convinced that the Deputy President has an edge over his main challenger, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma to become Jacob Zuma's successor as the ANC leader.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) leader, on Thursday, boldly declared that Mr Ramaphosa would be the ruling party's next president.

"For those asking for my predictions, I think he will win," Malema tweeted. "I don't think she (Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma) stands a good chance, despite her good struggle credentials, she's currently surrounded and supported by crooks."

Mr Malema's views are in line with nominations from the ANC's provincial general councils, which indicate Mr Ramaphosa in the lead.

He got the backing of five provinces - Gauteng, Limpopo, Eastern Cape, Western Cape and Northern Cape.

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The former African Union Commission chairperson, Dr Dlamini-Zuma got the nod from four provinces - KwaZulu Natal, Free State, Mpumalanga and North West.

Ramaphosa boost

Mr Ramaphosa got a major boost when fellow presidential candidate Lindiwe Sisulu dropped out of the race for the top job and instead will contest for the deputy presidency post.

However, allegations of vote-buying and rigging have swirled in recent days, suggesting that Dr Dlamini-Zuma's camp are going all out to secure victory.
Dr Dlamini-Zuma, a former cabinet minister, scoffed at the allegations on Wednesday night, saying she had put in the work to garner support.

Lately, Mr Malema has gained notoriety for predicting developments in the governing party.

The ANC conference will be held from Saturday to Wednesday to decide its future. The new leader is expected to be announced by Sunday.

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