‘Ousted’ ANC leaders cry foul
THE NEWLY-elected ANC Frances Baard Regional Executive Committee (REC) had barely taken their seats when the “ousted” party officials, who refused to accept the outcome of the elections, called on the National Executive Committee to nullify the regional conference.
This follows months of disputes between two local ANC factions, one of which supports Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as the next ANC president while the other group supports Cyril Ramaphosa.
The two factions have also been at loggerheads over the regional conference, with one group threatening to take legal action to stop it from taking place.
The conference did, however, take place at Rekaofela Resort in Barkly West on the weekend and new committee leaders were elected.
Sol Plaatje Municipality executive mayor Mangaliso Matika was elected as the new REC chairperson, Vuyani Mpitso was elected as deputy chairperson, Webster Dichaba as secretary, Wende Marekwa as deputy secretary and Unondumiso Buda as treasurer.
The former REC deputy chairperson, Zwelindyebo Mpampi, said yesterday, however, that he and his supporters do not recognise the newly-elected committee or the conference.
Mpampi said that although they had failed to convince the ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) to stop the conference, they will not let the matter rest.
“We feel disappointed that the PEC allowed the conference to take place despite all the letters we addressed to them on the matter. Although the conference did take place on the weekend, the proper processes of the ANC were not followed. According to protocol, we must, amongst others, adopt the treasurer’s report … that was not done,” Mpampi said.
He added that the “former” REC members had not attended the conference.
“We were invited to the conference by Webster Dichaba … how can you invite us to our conference? We did not attend as we were not part of the process,” said Mpampi.
He said that they had brought the matter to the attention of the National Executive Committee (NEC)
“We held a meeting with the deputy president, Cyril Ramaphosa, Thoko Didiza, Zweli Mkhize and Ayanda Dlodlo in Johannesburg on Sunday (yesterday). The Northern Cape provincial chairperson of the ANC, Zamani Saul, also formed part of that meeting. President Jacob Zuma asked to be excused as he had other engagements. The secretary-general, Gwede Mantashe, also could not attend the meeting but we did raise our matter with those present.
“During that meeting, we requested them to nullify the conference. We do not recognise the persons who said they were voted into those REC positions.”
Mpampi said that the NEC had requested time to investigate the matter.
“The NEC said this was not the only province with problems. There are other provinces where the organisation also has to sort out some problems. We will give them time to get back to us,” he said.
Matika, meanwhile, pointed out that members of the ANC branches in the region had called on him and his fellow officials to occupy the positions in the REC.
“It is unfortunate about the conduct displayed by some members during the build-up to this conference. The ANC has provided a platform for disgruntled members to raise their concerns. There was even a national team dispatched to come and listen to the branches. However, it is not the branches but members from the REC who did not want to give up power.
“You cannot lead forever in the ANC … from regional to national we derive our leadership powers from the branches. It is unfortunate that we had to put the party through this just because some want to try cling to power.”
Matika said that despite the attempts by the opposing group, everything had gone smoothly at the conference on the weekend.
“This is the seventh regional conference and for the first time we had an uncontested conference in the Frances Baard district. That is a clear indication of the unity that was displayed during this conference.”
Matika said that appropriate action would be taken against the ANC members who opposed the Danie van der Lith
conference.
“Part of our objective is to engage those members in order to bring them on board and afford them an opportunity to voice their concerns. As part of rebuilding, one cannot accommodate continuous arrogance in the organisation. We will be guided by the conference on what action to take.
“Their behaviour not only reflected badly on the contestation of leadership but it was damaging to the image of the ANC. At this point, I cannot predict what action will be taken, but they must be engaged. If they are willing to rebuild the organisation, which all of us had a part in tearing apart, then we all have the equal responsibility of rebuilding it.”
Matika stated that supporting and strengthening municipalities in the Frances Baard district would be one of the key priorities of the newly-elected REC.
“We need to ensure that we develop a district strategy. We are currently having serious problems with Magareng and Dikgatlong municipalities … these municipalities are not sustainable. We will have to convene a regional lekgotla, which must reflect on how we will assist these municipalities, with the end product having a district strategy in ensuring we give support to the municipalities.”