By OBAKENG MAJE
The ANC in the North West has endorsed the ANC sitting president, Cyril Ramaphosa for the second term. According to the ANC provincial secretary, Louis Diremelo, it is all systems go in terms of preparations for the ANC National Elective Conference that is scheduled to take place on 16 December 2022.
Diremelo said, only 340 branches from the North West have qualified and will form part of the elective conference.
“The process is a bit slow and only 340 branches have qualified to go to the ANC National Elective Conference in December 2022. We are almost at 100%, but we are still waiting for the verification report.
“We have experienced challenges such as quorums including unavailability of individuals during the weekend. People are attending this and that over the weekends,” he said.
Diremelo said, they are hopeful that they will consolidate everything this coming weekend after their interaction with the IRC coordinators. He further said, all branches have been given dates, so they intend to complete the task by 25 October 2022.
“We have motivated and advised branches to also convene their meetings during the week. One of the challenges that have hindered the process is a QR code.
“We have experienced some challenges of network and load-shedding. The ANC provincial leadership has also guided the branches in terms of preferences,” said Diremelo.
He added: “You must remember that our basic unit of the organisation is the branches. They are the most powerful unit, so we will know exactly what will happen during the consolidation.”
Diremelo said the branches are not far away from the ANC provincial leadership’s guidance. He said, the ANC provincial leadership has endorsed Ramaphosa for the second term.
“We will support Paul Mashatile for the Deputy President position, Fanuel Masuella for the Secretary-General position, Zweli Mkhize as the Treasurer-General, Stan Mathabathe for the National Chairperson position, while Nomvula Mokonyane will be supported as the Deputy Secretary-General,” he said.
Meanwhile, the political analyst from North West University (NWU) in Potchefstroom campus, Professor Andre Duvenhage said: “If we look at the ANC national conference, it will be attended by around 4000 to 5000 people and 90% will come from the branches, whereas 10% will be from ANC structures.
“So, what is important is that, the branches will decide. At the pointing time, only 20% of the branches have finalised their list. Now, the problem is what will happen here in the North West when it comes to the ANC national conference.”
Duvenhage said, there is a long history of conflicts in the province. He said, he understands that there was a ‘gentleman’ agreement between the former ANC provincial chairperson, Supra Mahumapelo and ANC provincial chairperson, Nono Maloyi that the province will support him during a contestation of the ANC Secretary-General position.
“To be honest with you, I do not believe in the integrity of politics, in many cases, politicians. I have no doubt that, Maloyi will go the way of Mashatile and Ramaphosa on the condition that, Ramaphosa accommodates Mashatile.
“There is a huge conflict for the position of the deputy president and we have seen four to five candidates named already. However, I’m not 100% sure if that is an alignment, but is not unqualified alignment,” he said.
Duvenhage said, there are certain prerequisites for this and there was a power balance in favour of Maloyi. He said, however, he has been taking over the provincial government and there might be a reaction from aggrieved ANC members in the branches.
“I think he has now going to take out five MPLs to make room for himself and four others. So, I think there is going to be a reaction because there is already dissatisfaction in the branches.
“There is a number of issues playing themselves out and I do think the branches will be in full support of the provincial leadership’s decision. Maybe the majority might be in support, but there is still support for RET brigades,” said Duvenhage.
The Guardian 