By Thys Khiba – The African National Congress (ANC) Free State has elected the ANC interim provincial committee (IPC) convener Mxolisi Dukwana as the province’s chairperson on Sunday.
The highly anticipated elective conference took place at ImveloSafari Lodge, outside Bloemfontein on Friday from 20 to 22 January 2023, after receiving a verification report, amid legal threats to interdict it by party disgruntled members.
This follows several failed attempts by the IPC to hold its highly anticipated conference.
The IPC indicated that they have received court papers that litigate against the regional conference of Lejweleputswa region.
Mxolisi Dukwana with President Cyril Ramaphosa
“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 OupaKhoabane.
Party branches that qualified after their branch general meetings (BGMs) were 242, which is about 75% of branches. Khoabaneconfirmed that the verification report shows that the province surpassed the 70% threshold to hold the conference.
Dukwana served as the IPC convener for almost two years since his appointment in May 2021. He is currently serving as the MEC for Cogta and Human Settlement.
The IPC was introduced by the governing party after the provincial ANC’s 2018 conference, which elected former provincial chairperson Ace Magashule’s ally Sam Mashininiprovincial chairperson, was declared unlawful by the Supreme Court of Appeal, leaving a leadership vacuum for the party in the province.
Dukwana emerged victorious after receiving 346 votes while Premier Sefora Sisi Ntombela received 303 votes.
For deputy chairperson, former Sasolburg mayor Toto Makumewas elected after receiving 346 votes compared to former Mangaung mayor Thabo Manyoni’s 307 votes.
IPC deputy coordinator Poleliso Motsoeneng received 349 votes to become the province’s newly elected secretary, compared to IPC coordinator Paseka Nompondo’s 303 votes.
Dibolelo Mahlatsi was elected deputy secretary, defeating Kenalemang Mohale who received 301 votes.
Vusi Tshabalala, another of Magashule’s allies, was defeated after he received 304 votes for the position of provincial treasurer. He lost out to Mathabo Leeto, who received 346 votes.
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.
CENTRAL NEWS
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