Africa-Press – South-Africa. The ANC in the Boland Region, Western Cape, elected new leadership over the weekend after it convened its regional conference amid a factional revolt from disgruntled members.
The seventh regional conference went off without a hitch in Worcester at the weekend, with 172 voting delegates attending the conference.
Patrice Mangena was appointed as chairperson of the Boland Region while Sebenzila Kiva was elected his deputy.
The interim provincial committee (IPC) as well as the Independent Electoral Agency, who presided over the conference election, declared the event free and fair.
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“Deliberations and contestation were tough but healthy for the future growth of the organisation on the ground building towards a decisive victor in 2024,” said the party’s newly elected regional executive committee (REC) in a statement.
The REC said it understood its role in contributing to the provincial and national leadership debates, and the conference agreed to call a special regional general council to discuss who they would support as national leaders.
“Conference also cautioned comrades not to engage in fake factional statements making the rounds stating that the ANC Boland Region supports any slate,” it added.
Disgruntled
Insiders said while the conference went ahead as planned, its legitimacy was challenged by a group of disgruntled ANC members who tried in vain to prevent the conference from proceeding.
An interim leadership structure has been in place in the Western Cape ANC since 2019 after the provincial executive committee was disbanded.
The ANC’s provincial spokesperson, Sifiso Mtsweni, told News24 the regional conference proceeded well at the weekend.
“Like any other conference, there would be attempts to challenge its legitimacy. Other attempts did not proceed as people cited as complainants distanced themselves from such court action,” he said.
Mtsweni added the leadership had not received any legal papers challenging the outcomes of the conference.
“Until it takes place, we will then respond to it accordingly. For now, we congratulate the newly elected leadership and the successful conclusion of the Boland conference, which is the second biggest region in the province. It is a further step towards a truly renewed ANC in the Western Cape,” he said.
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