Potpourri of party colours, merchants and divergent views outside Nasrec

The matter at hand, as the comrades say, is taking place inside Nasrec where security is tightly controlled.

Access to various venues is dependent on the tag you are carrying, not to be taken off under any circumstances, and the minders and bodyguards will not compromise if you are not compliant.

Media is heavily chaperoned in the venue with most of the contingent housed in the media lounge.

If you your tag is not written “plenary” forget about it. Party officials and employees are quick to remind journalists that until the results everyone is a delegate and the rules indicate they can not organise interviews for any of the officials.

Take a brisk walk on Nasrec Road towards Ormonde and you will arrive in the middle of a minefield of groups who call themselves “friend of the delegates” from various provinces, regions and branches. They have turned the municipal-owned open field into a scene reminiscent of a festival.

At the corner of Nasrec and Rand Show Road in an area called Ormonde View it’s harvest time for the petrol station, the convenient store inside it as well as drinking spots a few meters away and merchants selling everything  from food to ANC paraphernalia.

Those who agreed to speak to The Citizen said they are here for two main things: ensuring that their delegates inside plenary tow the line and to offer them strategic support. They are also here as ‘Shot Left’ tourists around Soweto and Joburg.

“We are here to give our delegates inside the conference moral support. We arrived yesterday and we communicate with our branch delegates through the phone to guide them on policy positions, contributions to debates and to vote for CR17,” said Shimane Mello, a deputy secretary of a region from Limpopo.

“We are here to make history by voting for the first female president of the party. We are from Kenneth Kaunda region in North West. We travelled as a group and we are here to help our comrades inside so that they vote according to the mandate,” said Zola Makwaca.

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