By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
ANC Eastern Cape chairperson Oscar Mabuyane. Photo Credit
This weekend, the stakes are much higher for the ANC Eastern Cape as premier Oscar Mabuyane will face off against former ally and MEC Babalo Madikizela.
Hundreds of delegates from the province will be making their way to the venue in East London where security has been beefed up.
ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe is expected to open the conference on Saturday.
The conference will see the new provincial executive committee members elected.
The start of the gathering comes after last ditch efforts by both Mabuyane and Madikizela, whose supporters were characterized by vehement opinions in their support for either candidate.
Hundreds of delegates are expected to pack the convention centre.
Mabuyane had earlier denied claims of vote buying after his rival Madikizela said delegates should take the money, when offered, but must vote correctly.
Fullview has reliably informed by lobbyists from both slates that it will likely be a neck-and-neck race for chairperson between Madikizela and Mabuyane.
The branches which support Mabuyane are said to constitute over 100 voting delegates. The issue of branches was raised by former provincial secretary turned task team coordinator Lulama Ngcukayitobi on Wednesday evening in a letter to the ANC officials, citing their unfair exclusion from the conference.
Our source, who has intimate knowledge of the meeting, said that Treasurer general Mashatile was against the inclusion of these branches while President Cyril Ramaphosa felt they should be condoned.
The branches have been under investigation following allegations of manipulation during branch general meetings.
Mabuyane is believed to have the majority of support of the ANC Women’s League and the Veterans League. Our sources say that the Mabuyane camp also enjoys support in the provincial task team which will have voting rights on Saturday.