“ANC will not win Mangaung” – Branches tell leaders

Staff Reporter

Bloemfontein – The ANC’s special regional meeting in Mangaung, convened to resolve ongoing disputes ahead of the local government elections, ended without providing the clarity many branches had hoped for.

The meeting, led by PEC deployees including Provincial Chairperson Mxolisi Dukwana, Provincial Secretary Polediso Motsoeneneng, Premier MaQueen Letsoha-Mathae, Teboho Mokoena and Solomon Nthatisi, was marked by frustration as branch delegates demanded answers on the delayed regional conference process and candidate selection.

Several branch representatives accused the party leadership of imposing candidates and allowing factional interests to influence organisational processes.

Speaking to Step Up SA News on the condition of anonymity after the meeting, one ward leader said the ANC should not expect support from their branch.

“They might as well forget about getting votes from our ward. The very leadership entrusted with protecting organisational processes is ensuring that nothing is done correctly. We are now being given people with questionable conduct as candidates, and we will not tolerate that,” the branch leader said.

The dissatisfaction comes months after Provincial Secretary Polediso Motsoeneneng indicated in December that all regional conferences would be concluded by the end of March.

However, with July coming to an end and only a few months remaining before the local government elections, several regions are yet to conclude the process. Some Mangaung branches are expected to reconvene over the weekend in an attempt to break the deadlock.

WATCH

The meeting also echoed earlier concerns raised by ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe regarding internal organisational challenges. While his remarks were directed at councillors, branch members argued that the same criticism now applies to sections of the party’s leadership.

WATCH

With election preparations under pressure and internal divisions still unresolved, concerns are mounting that the ANC’s organisational difficulties could have serious electoral consequences in Mangaung.

The ANC in Free State has dismally failed to have smooth conferences with at tleast two provincial conferences set aside and declared irregular and unlawful by courts.

Even the current leadership was elected in a chaotic conference.

This is what ANC in Free State is none for.

Support Independent Journalism

Stories like this matter. Accountability matters. Truth matters.

If you believe in fearless, independent reporting that holds power to account, help us keep going.

Your contribution, even as little as R10 makes a difference.
Choane Group (Pty) Ltd
FNB: 63110371703

If you have news or tips please email news@stepupsanews.co.za or WhatsApp: 068 507 6731

Independent. Unbought. Unfiltered.