KZN ANC elective conference ready to go ahead

TWO provincial political heavyweights will contest the ANC’s provincial secretary position when the party in KwaZulu-Natal reconvenes its elective conference this week.

Super Zuma, who lost the provincial secretary position when the provincial executive committee (PEC) was disbanded due to the last year’s Pietermaritzburg High Court ruling, is expected to lock horns with former provincial spokesperson Mdumiseni Ntuli.

The provincial conference looks set to go ahead from Thursday to Saturday, without fear of court interruption as aggrieved members – who were granted an interdict last month – now pledge their support for the conference.

The party’s national dispute resolution committee has promised to deal with their grievances, such as gate-keeping experienced during branch general meetings.

Ntuli was earmarked to contest Zuma at the conference held at the University of Zululand last month, but this did not happen when aggrieved members from Moses Mabhida, Lower South Coast and Harry Gwala regions obtained a court interdict.

ANC members, who declined to be named, said seven out of 11 regions, including eThekwini, had nominated Ntuli.

“Mdumiseni’s support is getting stronger. He is well experienced, especially as he worked as a director with Gwede Mantashe (former ANC secretary-general),” said the source.

Another ANC senior member said Ntuli also gained experience in running the affairs of the party when, as the ANC provincial spokesperson, he worked with the office of the provincial secretary.

Zuma said yesterday he was available, if branches nominate him, to retain the position. “To be elected is my democratic right as an ANC member and it is the democratic right of the branches to elect whoever they want for positions.

“I have never declined nomination for any ANC task by branches of the ANC. I am always available,” said Zuma.

Ntuli also confirmed his nomination, saying: “I have been approached by six regions to stand as provincial secretary, and have availed myself for that responsibility.”

The ANC PTT yesterday held a meeting at the Durban south beach Coastlands Hotel to finalise their preparations for the conference, which is expected to be held at the Durban University of Technology.

As an attempt to unite the party, PTT co-ordinator Sihle Zikalala is expected to be re-elected chairperson while PTT convener Mike Mabuyakhulu is expected to be deputy chairperson.

The leader of the aggrieved faction in Moses Mabhida, Mtuza Mkhize, said his faction was happy with new developments in the party.

“The appointment of a team to investigate corruption in municipalities makes us happy.

“There is not going to be a court interdict this time around,” said Mkhize.