Questions emerge following ANC election

Here is a quick look at the new party leaders.

Newly-elected ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa played a a vital role in the negotiations for South Africa’s democracy. He is considered the ‘reform’ candidate – who could help the governing party recover some of its electoral losses.

Ramaphosa moved one seat to his right on stage at the plenary hall of the ANC’s national conference shortly after the announcement was made.

The person who now holds Ramaphosa’s former post is David Mabuza.

Mabuza is the premier and provincial chairperson in Mpumalanga – the province that nominated 'unity' in the weeks in the run-up to the conference.

Gwede Mantashe moved from secretary-general to national chair.

Mantashe secured 2418 votes to beat Nathi Mthethwa for the post.

Ace Magashule, who lost his post as provincial chairperson of the ANC in Free State in a court ruling a day before the conference got underway, has assumed the post of secretary general.

The High Court declared the Free State provincial elective conference illegal on Friday – a ruling similar to the one against Magashule’s PEC in 2012.

His deputy is Jessie Duarte, who is the only top six official to retain her position.

Both Magashule and Duarte are believed to be in the Dlamini-Zuma camp.

Lastly, the ANC’s former chairperson in Gauteng Paul Mashatile secured the position of treasurer, succeeding Zweli Mkhize.

Mashatile – who has fiercely criticised former ANC president Jacob Zuma – is considered close to Ramaphosa, along with Mantashe.

Questions have already been raised as to how the group is going to work together.

Now that the issue of leadership has been put to bed, ANC delegates will elect the remaining members of the National Executive Commission (NEC) and decide on policy. 

This, rather than the top six, might give South Africans a clue to the balances of forces in the governing party.