Mpumalanga ANC branches call to meet

MBOMBELA – This call comes after much political squabbling in the region. The last time the province held a conference was in 2015 during David Mabuza’s, the former provincial chairperson, tenure.

Last year, the current ANC provincial executive committee (PEC) announced that the party would hold its elective conference on June 18, 2021, but once again the conference was halted due to a number of factors, including allegations of violence during branch general meetings (BGMs).

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The other noise coming from the party branches is the nomination of the former Ehlanzeni regional deputy chairperson and former PEC member, Peter Nyoni, to take the ANC’s provincial driver’s seat.

Mpumalanga News has been reliably told that Nyoni enjoys support from a number of Mpumalanga branches.

Asked for comment, Nyoni’s spokesperson, Mohammed Phiri, confirmed that Nyoni’s name has been thrown into the hat for the chairmanship position by some branches in the region “Yes, it is true. Some branches have approached him to consider standing for the chairpersonship position. And I want to put it on record that we want him to take over and lead the province.

“We believe that he has what it takes to unify the organisation. We are determined that he will bring unity and renewal to the ANC in the province. We need someone with his political calibre to lead us forward,” Phiri said.

Nyoni is no stranger to leadership positions as he served in both the regional and provincial structures of the ANC. He has also served as head of governmental departments, including acting as a director general of the provincial government.

“We hope that the coming BGMs will cement their call for him to contest. And on that note, we would like to call on all branches to consider supporting him. We appeal to our branches, especially those that are equally determined to help the organisation move away from factional politics, to back Nyoni for the top position. We are willing to work with members who are willing to work for change and renewal. We need him to bring unity in the province,” said Phiri. This paper also managed to get hold of Nyoni.

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“As a loyal member of the ANC, I am following what is being said by the branches and I want to say that if they have the willingness to have me contest for the chairmanship position, I cannot say no. I am a loyal servant of the ANC and the masses, and I am ready at any time to place my skills, knowledge and wisdom at the disposal of the ANC, as I have demonstrated throughout my life.”