‘Old guard’ holds on in Sarah Baartman

Task team members retain top spots in contest with youth-aligned slate

The “old guard” in the ANC’s Sarah Baartman region made a strong showing at the weekend as they managed to retain their positions after going head to head against an ANC Youth League-endorsed lineup at the regional conference.

Regional task team members (RTT) Deon De Vos, Yandiswa Vara and Johannes Hobbs all returned to secure the top three spots as chair, deputy chair and secretary.

The regional executive committee (REC) in Sarah Baartman was converted into an RTT last year after its terms lapsed.

Asanda Tebekana and Athenkosi Diniso, who were both on the same slate but not part of the RTT, finished off the top five, making it a clean sweep for the old guard.

Tebekana got the nod for deputy secretary and Diniso for treasurer.

Heading into the weekend’s elective conference in GraaffReinet, the slate led by De Vos went up against a youth league-endorsed lineup led by Mabuti Matyumza.

Matyumza, who is the speaker of the Makana municipality, led a group of younger leaders hoping to bring change to the region where some of the REC members had been in the structure since 2007.

A total of 238 delegates from Kou-kamma, Kouga, Makana and Sundays River Valley met at the Botanical Gardens.

De Vos (123 votes) beat Matyumza (111), while Hobbs (126) got the nod against Athenkosi Daniso (105) in the run for secretary.

For the deputy secretary post, Tebekana (112) emerged as the winner in a three-way race against Malibongwe Dayimani (110) and surprise runner Zwai Yali (eight).

Simpiwe Rune withdrew from the race for deputy chair after tying with Vara at 117 each.

Diniso (123) beat Nosiphiwo Williams for treasurer (109).

There were, however, no hard feelings from the losing side.

Daniso, now an additional REC member, said democracy had prevailed.

“The conference allowed for robust engagements which were needed and necessary.

“That on its own as a member of the ANC made me feel great,” Daniso said.

He said the withdrawal of Rune was decided by their slate.

“The voices of delegates were louder in the call for the De Vos slate to lead.

“In the event of the tie, we said this is the only region in the Eastern Cape named after a woman, and in this instance where we could create space for a woman to lead as deputy chair we must do so,” he said.

Hobbs also trumpeted the withdrawal of Rune, who is now also an REC member, as proof of unity in the region.

“We are very happy. The conference was in good spirit.

“All have accepted the outcome and rallied behind the leadership,” Hobbs said.

The conference was held under the theme, “The year of unity and renewal to defend and advance SA’s democratic gains”.

Hobbs said both sides adopted its declarations by delegates, proving the weekend a success.

“ANC Sarah Baartman has won,” Hobbs said.