By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Greater Johannesburg region of Gauteng is holding its 15th conference to elect new leadership.
The conference is themed : Unity and Renewal to Defend and Advance South Africa’s Democratic Gains.
This is the second day of the regional conference in Idle Winds Lodge and Conference Centre in Centurion.
Outgoing general secretary Dada Morero is leading one slate while the current ANC regional convenor and acting chairperson Eunice Mgcina also wants to be elected officially to that position.
Addressing delegates, ANC provincial chairperson in Gauteng David Makhura said he was impressed with how the conference has gone so far because there was no festival of chairs flying all over, and even at the gate there was no burning of tyres by people who were trying to force their way into the conference.
It was after the Ekurhuleni conference last weekend where there was disruption leading to delays to the start of the conference.
In his opening remarks, Makhura said he would like to pay tribute to all the ANC leaders that have passed on.
“I would love to pay tribute to the former speaker and REC member Connie Bapela, the chairperson and mayor Geoff Makhubo, the former REC member and mayor Jolidee Matongo, the former treasurer and mayor Mpho Moerane, Dr Patrick Maesela, a member of the REC and our former young lion comrade Manganye,” he said.
He said the best tribute they could pay to the fallen heroes was for the delegates and the Joburg region leaders to rise on Sunday as the ANC that inspires public confidence in Joburg, Gauteng and the country.
Makhura commended the delegates and leadership for working tirelessly to make sure that the conference was a success and also making sure that there was peace and smooth proceedings.
“Comrades you have gathered here in the name of the ANC and must do things that will make the ANC proud.”
“You must do ANC things and you must do things the ANC way,” he said.
He said the ANC did not exist for conferences, general meetings and all those activities were to show that the party had a leadership that was elected democratically.
Meanwhile the 11th ANC Tshwane elective conference is also underway at the Indaba Hotel in Fourways, Johannesburg north.
Outgoing regional secretary Eugene Modise is expected to go head-to-head with the incumbent party chairperson, Dr Kgosi Maepa.
It was still unclear yesterday whether ANC council chief whip Aaron Maluleka had been persuaded by lobbyists who wanted him to contest Modise and Maepa.