Disgruntled ANC members will not disrupt conference

“Members who have been given access to the venue in Colesberg will be attending. We will air our views during the conference. Those who do not have accreditation are free to observe the conference from outside the gates to offer their support in a peaceful manner.”

They added that given the strong presence of the police, private security and members of the Umkhonto we Sizwe Military Veterans Association who would patrol the venue, they would not stage any protests.

“It would be irresponsible of us if any member comes into harm’s way.

“We highlighted our grievances regarding the rigging of processes and were informed at Luthuli House that ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe had already given the go-ahead for the conference. The national office will look into our concerns and the evidence presented at a later stage and indicated that it would receive the necessary attention.”

They added that the internal grievance process had not been exhausted yet.

“The outstanding branches were racing yesterday to reconvene branch nomination meetings in order to meet the deadline so that they can participate in the conference. We are not part of the court action to interdict the conference and will not be considering any legal action.”

Another member pointed out that they did not have any personal vendettas against any individual.

“We just want the conference to be fair and transparent and processes must be followed. Delegates are being swopped and changed at the last minute.

“The ANC provincial secretary, Zamani Saul, is downplaying the fact that the conference has been manipulated and stolen. None of our disputes in the Frances Baard district were resolved.

“We are fighting issues of maladministration because certain role-players do not care about the interests of the poor members and only want to enrich themselves. This is the first time in the history of the Province that there has been the cloning of membership.”

The disgruntled ANC members indicated that they had approached Luthuli House as they did not receive a fair hearing at provincial level.

“Saul, who is contesting for the leadership of the party, is also the chairman of the dispute committee. You cannot serve as both the referee and the player.”