Zukile Majova

In the face of stormy dissension within its ranks, ANC bigwigs at its headquarters Luthuli House are busy thrashing out a strategy to explain to the nation its rationale behind the appointment of the new provincial premiers.

ANC general secretary Gwede Mantashe is expected to  occupy various media platforms today to explain the party's choice of those who will serve in the Jacob Zuma administration.

ANC spokesperson Jessie Duarte said the appointment of premiers was "highly consultative".

She said the ANC national executive committee looked for experience at local and provincial level, and a clear track record in service delivery.

"on the capacity to deliver on the ANC's manifesto, the Gauteng premier (Nomvula Moko-nyane), for instance, is one of the most experienced people in provincial governance.

" Less known nationally, Hazel Jenkins is very experienced and runs one of the most successful municipalities in Northern Cape.

"The same goes for the premier (Noxolo Kiviet) of Eastern Cape, who is committed to service delivery, while Ace Magashule is the outgoing MEC for sport, arts and culture in the Free State."

She said the ANC under president-elect Jacob Zuma was now prepared to take suggestions by its alliance partners Cosatu and the SACP "more seriously". Previously, alliance partners complained the ANC under former president Thabo Mbeki did not acknowledge their input.

This led to strained relations between the members of the ruling alliance.

According to the ANC, Zuma's new batch of premiers all have the required experience in local and provincial governance.

Today, Sowetan brings you the political profiles of the team Zuma has entrusted with ensuring his planned multibillion-rand rural development programmes become a reality.

l The ANC Youth League has apologised for its opposition to the appointment of Nomvula Mokonyane as Gauteng premier.