By Thapelo Molefe
After weeks of delays and internal disputes, the ANC in Tshwane started its 12th Greater Tshwane Regional Conference on Friday, with delegates set to elect new regional leaders ahead of the 2026/27 local government elections.
The conference — set to end on Sunday — is being held under the theme “Renew, Rebuild and Unite for the Consolidation of People’s Power” and had been postponed several times amid disputes over branch nominations and allegations of membership rigging.
Outgoing regional secretary George Matjila said the region was ready to proceed.
“We are ready, as you can see we have the venue ready behind us. Once a venue has been procured, it simply means all the necessary logistical and administrative issues have been resolved. There was a pre-registration by the province two weeks ago just to ensure all delegates that form part of the conference are registered,” Matjila said.
The conference takes place amid factional contestation, with the regional secretary and chairperson positions expected to be closely fought. Earlier reports linked Matjila to an alleged assault incident, though later reporting said prosecutors declined to enrol the case.
Incumbent regional chairperson Eugene Modise — who is also Tshwane’s deputy mayor — is seeking another term, while a forensic report tabled in council has alleged he unethically benefited from a company doing business with the municipality, which he disputes.
Delegates are also expected to debate the ANC’s coalition arrangement in Tshwane, where the ANC remains the largest party in council while ActionSA holds the mayoralty, an arrangement that has caused unhappiness amongst some ANC members.
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