Turn of events at conference, Lucas calls for review

A CLOUD of uncertainty hangs over the Northern Cape provincial government this morning following an eventful ANC elective conference held in Colesberg at the weekend.

The conference ended a day early with closing remarks delivered on Saturday night.

On the one side is what has been described as a “winner takes all” victory for Zamani Saul’s #Zamdesh group, who emerged as the winners in the contest for the leadership of the ANC in the Northern Cape.

On the other side is Premier Sylvia Lucas and her #Sylvin group, who were all due to contest the top positions within the party. They all, however, declined nomination.

Over the weekend Lucas indicated that she wanted the conference to be reviewed by the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) and would call a press conference today to explain her actions.

The new Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) was appointed on Friday night with Saul being elected as ANC provincial chairperson and Bentley Vass as deputy chairperson.

Deshi Nxganga takes over from Saul as provincial secretary while the deputy secretary is Maruping Lekwene and the provincial treasury will be run by Fufe Makatong.

Many delegates who were campaigning for Lucas did not attend proceedings.

Suspended ANC Youth League members pledged their support for Saul, while the ANCYL as an organisation campaigned for Lucas.

Suspended ANCYL Frances Baard regional secretary, Tshepo Sedunkelo Louw, stated that he was now vying for the position of ANCYL provincial secretary.

“Our elective conference is long overdue. The ANCYL did not provide us with political clarity in the run up to the campaign. They disappointed us.”