By Malaika Ditabo.
A year after failing to convene before last year’s 14th provincial elective conference, the West Rand ANC has finally elected its leadership.
It became the last of the province’s five regions, the others being Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni, Tshwane, and Sedibeng, to elect its leadership.
ANC Gauteng spokesperson Lesego Makhubela said there were no delays; instead, the sitting took place after the stipulated time frame, and adding the region did not dissolve its structures.
“Through the work of the ANC Gauteng provincial executive committee (PEC), all branches were able to convene successful general meetings that elected delegates and branch leaders as well as delegates to the regional conference. And we were able to meet the 70% threshold at the deadline set by the PEC.”
The regional conference takes place every five years. However, before that, branches convene to elect the people representing the region at the provincial conference.
Last year, however, regional branch disputes and divisions prevented it from successfully nominating and electing members who would represent the West Rand.
Its 11th conference was held this weekend (2-4 June).
In a statement on Saturday, ANC Gauteng Provincial Secretary TK Nciza announced and congratulated the region’s newly elected office bearers.
- William Matsheke, as regional chairperson,
- Merafong councillor Sello Mogomotsi as deputy regional chair,
- Rand West City Chief Whip Mkhuseli Jokazi as regional secretary,
- Mncebisi Moyeni as regional secretary, and
- Doreen Davis as regional treasurer.
Although the West Rand failed to select its leadership before the provincial conference, the 63 branches could still participate.
A total of 1 138 delegates from various branches, provincial executives, and the regional executive committees participated in the voting process.
The various structures were involved in the election, which saw Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and Gauteng MEC for Human Settlements Lebogang Maile go head to head for the party’s provincial chairperson title.