By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
@GalloImages.
Mzwandile Masina has been re-elected chairperson of the ANC’s Ekurhuleni region on Sunday.
Masina got 163 votes; former Treasurer general Doctor Xhakaza obtained 151 votes.
The results remain preliminary until 19 quarantined votes are counted.
The election was close, with Masina leading by a small margin. It could, however, change if votes, which were set aside because of disputes, are counted and change the outcome.
These ballots will be counted once disputes about the participation of the delegates are resolved.
The setting aside of these votes means the election could still swing either way – for Xhakaza or Masina.
Others elected, along with Masina, include Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza as regional secretary.
Nciza is the only candidate who a vote change may not impact once the final tally of votes has been finalised.
Other elected candidates include Jongizizwe Dlabathi, as deputy chairperson, deputy regional secretary Moipone Mhlongo, and regional treasurer Sello Skhokho.
This will be Masina’s third term as a regional leader. He said no rules in the ANC precluded members from being nominated multiple times to serve in a leadership role.
The ANC Gauteng chairperson David Makhura warned members not to feel entitled to leadership positions in the party.
The regional branch lost control of the City of Ekurhuleni in the 2021 local government elections.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) governs the Ekurhuleni metropolitan municipality in a minority government with smaller opposition political parties, including ActionSA.