By Thys Khiba – The highly anticipated ANC Free State elective conference is set to get under way at Imvelo Safari Lodge, outside Bloemfontein today amid legal threats to interdict it by party disgruntled members.
This follows several failed attempts by the Free State interim provincial committee (IPC) to hold its highly anticipated conference.
Mangaung Metro Ready To Host ANC 111th Birthday Celebration
The IPC indicated that they have received court papers that litigate against the regional conference of Lejweleputswa region.
“The Committee is concerned about the continuous trend to refer organisational matters to court, despite many efforts to resolve internal disputes satisfactorily. The documents have been referred to lawyers to prepare replying affidavits. Therefore, the IPC decided to defend the matter,” said IPC spokesperson Oupa Khoabane.
Khoabane confirmed the IPC held a meeting on Thursday 12 January 2023, and resolved to convene its conference from 20 to 22 January 2023, after receiving a verification report.
Party branches that qualified after their branch general meetings (BGMs) were 242, which is about 75% of branches. Khoabane confirmed that the verification report shows that the province surpassed the 70% threshold to hold the conference.
Meanwhile, two regions Fezile Dabi and Thabo Mofutsanyana,above 70% threshold have been given a go-ahead to hold their conferences. Their regional conferences are expected to take place after the provincial conference.
The elective conference is expected to be highly contested, with three candidates nominated for the position of chairperson. The current deputy convener Sisi Ntombela, former provincial deputy chairperson, Thabo Manyoni, and IPC convener,Mxolosi Dukwana will be standing for the same position.
With the released branch nominations Dukwana who is the current MEC for COGTA leads and is followed by PremierNtombela.
IPC members Toto Makume, William Bulwane and Makalo Mohale made it to the top three nomination for the position of deputy chairperson.
The IPC coordinator Paseka Nompondo is nominated for the position of provincial secretary with his deputy coordinator Polediso Dihelele Motsoeneng and provincial head of elections,Saki Mokoena.
CENTRAL NEWS
—————————————————————
DO YOU HAVE A NEWS STORY OR AN OPINION FOR CENTRAL NEWS: E-mail us : newsroom@centralnews.co.za or Whatsapp us on 0833989119