PHUTI MOSOMANE
FORMER Free State ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) convenor Mxolisi Dukwana has been elected the new provincial Chairperson.
Dukwana, Ace Magashule’s arch-rival and a close ally of President Cyril Ramaphosa, defeated Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela by 43 votes after the long-delayed and hotly contested provincial conference.
Former Sasolburg mayor, Ketso Toto Makume was elected the new ANC Free State Deputy Chairperson, while Poleliso Motsoeneng was elected the new Provincial Secretary.
Kathleen Dibolelo Mahlatse, on the other hand, was elected the new Deputy Secretary, while Mathabo Leeto was elected as the new Provincial Treasurer.
But there were repeated points of orders as soon as the results were officially announced.
ANC delegate, Malefu Lebesa, from Fezile Dabi region, said there were a number of irregularities that took place over the credentials.
“I think the best way is for us to approach the court. It seems to be the only way to force the ANC to do things right,” she said.
Ntombela, who contested for the position of Provincial Chairperson, has meanwhile congratulated Dukwana.
“If he can work on uniting the party in the province. It will be a good start. A divided ANC will not be able to win elections. I will wait to hear from the aggrieved on what really happened. The main issue is that we are here for the people,” said Ntombela.
Ntombela said she would have to get more information about the electoral grievances first before answering whether the elections were free and fair.
“I knew it will not be easy for me to win as Chairperson, especially being a woman,” she said.
ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe opened the conference on Saturday and urged delegates to elect competent leaders.
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