MKMVA endorses Mchunu for provincial chair

Umkhonto Wesizwe Military Veterans Association (MKMVA) leaders in KwaZulu-Natal on Sunday, endorsed provincial deputy chairman Willies Mchunu to succeed Zweli Mkhize as the chairman of the ANC in the province.

"We believe that [Willies] Mchunu has displayed the necessary skills to carry the organisation in this province forward and as matter of principle we believe that he should be the next chairperson," said chairman Themba Mavundla.

Mchunu currently holds the position of deputy chairman and his name and that of Education MEC Senzo Mchunu have been touted as Mkhize’s successor when the party holds a provincial general conference later this month.

Mkhize was set to assume his duties as national treasurer after he was elected to the position at the African National Congress's elective conference in Mangaung in December last year.

The veterans insisted that Willies Mchunu's election to the provincial chairman position would guarantee stability both in the party and government.

They have also called on President Jacob Zuma to fire Thabang Makwetla as deputy minister of defence and military veterans, saying he had failed to discharge his duties, especially in dealing with the plight of MKMVA members.

"We call on the president [Jacob Zuma] to immediately relieve the deputy minister from his duties because he has proved to be a hindrance to the process of aiding cadres," said Mavundla.

He said MKMVA members also wanted to be deployed to the police service, legislature and other government departments.

Mavundla said MKMVA members deserve the same recognition as members from the ANC Women’s League, Youth League and tripartite alliance who often get deployed to government and other state structures.