By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The branches of the African National Congress (ANC) in Ekurhuleni have adopted the credentials and will elect new leadership on Sunday after the region’s eighth elective conference was marred by delays.
The eighth ANC Ekurhuleni Regional is currently underway at the Indaba Hotel and Conference Centre in Fourways, North of Johannesburg.
The conference was disrupted on Saturday after delegates raised concerns over alleged membership manipulation.
The delegates claimed that some members have been disqualified and certain branches were excluded.
This resulted in a 10-hour delay, but the verification process for credentials of delegates has since been concluded.
ANC Ekurhuleni chairperson Mzwandile Masina accepted the nomination and he is up against the party’s former regional treasurer Doctor Xhakaza.
Masina is running for a third term as regional ANC chairperson.
Xhakaza’s supporters claimed branches that have shown support towards him have been excluded from participating in the conference.
There is high police presence outside the Indaba Hotel.
In his emotional address, Gauteng Chairperson David Makhura highlighted the importance of unity and transparency.
Makhura also warned members not to feel entitled to leadership positions in the party.
“There are those who believe that there is no need to be in the ANC, when the ANC is out of power. Those people must leave now. We want those who will remain, even when the ANC is not in control. Who said we are entitled to positions?”
Masina also delivered his political report as the current regional chairperson.
The regional branch lost control of the City of Ekurhuleni in the 2021 local government elections.