History will certainly be in the making when the Mpumalanga ANC finally hosts its much-awaited provincial conference.
It is scheduled for this weekend, from Friday April 1 until Sunday April 3, at eMalahleni’s Witbank Dam.
This conference has been postponed several times due to a number of factors, including factional infightings that derailed progress leading to a free and fair meeting of the branches. In other wards or branches such as in Nkomazi and Mbombela, Msholozi in particular, official branch meetings could not materialise due to violence.
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The party’s national treasurer, Paul Mashatile, confirmed during a press conference following the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held over the weekend, that the conference was set to continue. “The NEC considered and welcomed updates on preparations for regional and provincial conferences across the country and the road maps submitted towards these conferences. Mpumalanga will hold its provincial conference from April 1 to 3,” said Mashatile when briefing the media on some of the NEC’s outcomes. Coming to the conference itself, there are currently four known contenders for the driver’s seat of this gigantic organisation, otherwise marred by factional battles and infightings for positions and power. Interestingly, all four contenders are a product of a David Mabuza’s administration.
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Peter Nyoni, who is seen as the face of unity and renewal, once served as a provincial executive committee (PEC) member during Mabuza’s tenure. He was, however, given a five year suspension from this PEC and the ANC, for allegedly speaking up against corruption and gatekeeping within the party. Another notable contender, Mandla Ndlovu, who leads the Focus grouping, served as the party’s provincial secretary until he was promoted to serve as acting chairperson after Mabuza had been elected to the national office as deputy president.
Also drawn from Mabuza’s cabinet is Lucky Ndinisa, who served a term as provincial secretary during Mabuza’s second term in office as party chairperson. Ndinisa contested and sought a second term for this position, but lost out to Ndlovu after a closely contested race.
Lastly, vying for the top position is the current premier, Refilwe Mtshweni-Tsipane, who rose to prominence after Mabuza had appointed her to serve in his cabinet in 2014, where she was the MEC for cooperative governance and traditional affairs. One of these four contenders will emerge after the conference as the newly elected provincial chairperson.
