Mantashe says Pandor must be ruled out of the race to become WC Premier

JOHANNESBURG - African National Congress (ANC) Chairperson Gwede Mantashe said that Naledi Pandor must be ruled out of the race to become the next premier of the Western Cape.

Mantashe speaking to Eyewitness News while on the campaign trail in the Esikhawini area said that Pandor made herself unavailable to serve in that position.

The International Relations Minister had been punted by some in the Democratic Alliance (DA)-run province in the hope that she could attract more Black, Indian and Coloured voters for the ANC.

Pandor has also been lauded for her role as South Africa fights for the cause of the Palestinian people.

While Mantashe refused to name who the ANC is eyeing as a candidate, he admitted that the ANC Youth League’s Khaled Sayed was a contender for the position.

"Pandor, herself said please don’t put me in the race, there are enough capable cadres in the Western Cape, leave me out, nobody told Pandor to say that. So anybody who ponders Pandor is just being mischievous." aid Mantashe.