Party bosses hit out over candidate lists

THE ANC’s Nelson Mandela Bay regional bosses have condemned the spreading of “candidate” lists between members, saying this could cause divisions in the party as it prepares for its elective conference.

The party’s regional spokesman Gift Ngqondi said the lists being circulated were factional and malicious.

“We are busy with branch general meetings and there are people who are circulating lists at the meetings.

“That is not right – names cannot be imposed on members. Branch members must decide who they want,” Ngqondi said.

He said there had been reports that the people whose names were on the lists were holding meetings with branches, lobbying for support.

“We are hearing those reports. There are five lists going around. We have three and we are still looking for the other two lists,” Ngqondi said.

He said the names on one list for the chairman and secretary positions were Vuyani Limba and Beza Ntshona.

A second list had Andile Lungisa and Themba Xathula, while a third one had Tony Duba and Zandisile Qupe for the top regional posts.

Ngqondi said the actions were contrary to the ANC’s values and had the potential to divide the region.

“We allow lobbying, but names must not be imposed on members. There are rumours that these lists are being supported at a provincial level,” he said.

The ANC is expected to hold its elective conference at the end of next month.