6 500 likely to be at ANC’s 54th elective conference in Joburg

The ANC’s 54th national conference has generated the most interest since 1994 and is set to be one of the most watched in the 105-year history of the organisation.

The ANC confirmed that at least 6 000 people would attend, including about 5 000 delegates. About 1 000 local and foreign media representatives are expected at the event, which starts at Nasrec Expo Centre, south of Johan- nesburg, on Saturday and runs until December 20.

The recently updated number of delegates was put at 5 200 and comprised branch representatives and members of the national and provincial executives and national leaderships of the ANC leagues.

When the 1 000 journalists are included, there could be up to 6 500 people in the main hall at Nasrec. An estimated 450 security members and marshalls will ensure the safety and security of guests and delegates.

Members of the SA Police Service and the metro police would be manning the main entrances and conducting searches.

The ANC official declined to say how many police would be attending as it’s a sensitive security matter.

“We are well prepared for a huge crowd. We will ensure none of the delegates and people who will attend are short of necessities such as water and food.

“Since the conference is in summer, we are expecting more heat and therefore we have catered for an average of four bottles of water per delegate per day and for anyone else attending,” an ANC member at Luthuli House said.

No less than 150 000 of 500ml bottles of water would be available. This excludes the water to be used for cooking and washing by some at the event. Breakfast, lunch and supper would be served at the venue.

The ANC member said delegates would be accommodated at different venues around Johannesburg.

Two days out of the five days would be open sessions, which meant guests and the media would be present inside the main conference hall.

The ANC indicated that it may not be able to accommodate all 1 000 journalists who want to cover the event.

“No more than two journalists from the same media house will be allowed in during the open sessions.”

The ANC expected not more than 400 journalists inside the conference hall during the open sessions.