Papa Penny loses Limpopo ANC race, blames ‘unfair’ elective process

“If you have an interest and you are the one running the conference, that is not fair. You have money to confuse people.

“If it was an independent person running the conference, I was supposed to win,” he said.

“It’s not fair; the public wants to see a good elective [conference], and not the people on the inside.

“The people who betrayed me – and their campaign was much stronger – were from my subregion of Giyani.

“They know I cannot give them money. I’m not corrupt, and I do things straight.”

Kobane said it was not over for his political career. He reiterated he remained unafraid, and would continue to voice his concerns until the people of Limpopo were “united”.

“I’m still in politics because I was born a politician. Just because you lost a fight it doesn’t mean you should resign,” he said.

He said he was getting stronger, and would try to do better in future.

“I’m getting stronger and stronger. I’m improving my politics. They can win, but I’m still going to be watching their every move. I will continue to fight for the people. I will not stop talking.”

Papa Penny’s problems with the ANC’s political process aside, President Cyril Ramaphosa commended delegates for exhibiting a disciplined front despite the legal battles hanging over the procedures of the conference.

“It will also be remiss of me not to commend the high levels of discipline and seriousness that you all as comrades displayed in the handling of this conference despite those who wanted to derail the conference,” Ramaphosa said.