Joel Khathushelo Netshitenzhe

Mbeki's two closest allies are the ANC's chief theoretician and head of the Government Communications and Information System (GCIS) Joel Netshitenzhe and the Gauteng Province Premier former union leader Mhabizima Shilowa...

Two other potential long-term rivals are not much in evidence for now: Joel Netshitenzhe head of the government propaganda service and an ascetic public figure and Mbeki ally Saki Macozoma the sometimes controversial boss of the media company New Africa Investments Ltd...

Joel Netshitenzhe head of the Government Communication and Information Service spoke for Mbeki's inner circle when he said: 'If there is a fear that the courts are the ones that are deciding on state policies rather than the government of the people then this issue will have to be aired thoroughly...

Last month senior ANC officials such as communications chief Joel Netshitenzhe and ANC information czar Smuts Ngonyama argued for the removal of the SABC's non-ANC supporting Chairman Vincent Mpai in favour of former Ambassador to France Barbara Masekela sister of trumpeter Hugh...

Mbeki's kitchen cabinet of political allies and protégés includes Essop Pahad Chikane and Joel Netshitenzhe the ANC's former propaganda chief who heads the Government Communication and Information Service...

The Director Communications Service Joel Netshitenzhe formerly in Mandela's office now reporting to Mbeki's Deputy Minister Essop Pahad...

It has dropped its attempts to persuade the low-profile and reluctant Joel Netshitenzhe to stand for the post and instead is trying to close ranks behind Jacob Zuma...

(The ANCYL then transferred its support to Mandela's official spokesperson Joel Netshitenzhe)...