NATIONAL Union of Mineworkers (NUM) president Senzeni Zokwana and general secretary Frans Baleni look set to retain their positions when the union holds its elective congress later this month.

Although their positions will be contested, their opponents did not manage to secure as many nominations as they did. The rivals only secured four nominations each out of the 11 regions.

Zokwana's re-election will come in handy for a lobby group that is working behind the scenes to position him as chairmanof the SA Communist Party later this year. Zokwana's leadership will be contested by North West regional secretary Joseph Montisetse.

Zokwana received seven nominations from regions across the country while Montisetse was affirmed by four regions, mostly in the North West.

Baleni, who has also been nominated by seven regions, will stand against his current deputy Oupa Komane, whose nomination is also concentrated in North West.

Treasurer David Macatha and the national secretary for health and safety Eric Gcilitshane will stand for re-election unopposed.

A scramble for the deputy general secretary position will be between William Mabapa and Tshimane Montoedi.

Both candidates have been nominated by four regions.

The congress will be addressed by President Jacob Zuma, SACP general secretary Blade Nzimande, Cosatu president Sdumo Dlamini, Public Works Minister Thulas Nxesi, Public Enterprise Minister Malusi Gigaba and International Relations Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.