By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s ally Mxolisi Dukwana has been elected ANC provincial chairperson in the Free State.
Dukwana served as the interim provincial committee (IPC) convener, beat his challenger for the top post, Free State Premier Sisi Ntombela, by 346 votes. Ntombela received 306 votes.
The results of the top five officials of the ANC in the province were announced on Sunday afternoon.
Dukwana’s faction won by a clean sweep at the 9th ANC Free State provincial conference at Imvelo Safari Lodge, outside Mangaung.
During the announcement of the results, there were a few objections with some delegates complaining about the numbers not tallying up.
More than 900 delegates, of which 650 were voting delegates, attended the three-day gathering.
Ketso Toto Makume was elected the deputy provincial chairperson after receiving 346 votes. Makume defeated former Mangaung mayor Thabo Manyoni, who received 307 votes.
Poleliso Motsoeneng is the new ANC provincial secretary after beating outgoing IPC coordinator Paseka Nompondo by 349 votes. Nompondo received 303 votes.
ANC MP Dibolelo Mahlatsi was elected the province’s new deputy secretary. She received 348 votes while her challenger for the position, Kenalemang Mohale, got 301.
Mathabo Leeto beat former ANC secretary general Ace Magashule’s ally, Vusi Tshabalala, by 346 votes for the provincial treasurer position. Tshabalala received 304 votes.
The conference, which was marred by several delays due to unresolved disputes, got under way on Saturday with national chairperson Gwede Mantashe opening the conference.
Delegates are now nominating the additional members for the provincial leadership and Ramaphosa is expected to close the conference on Sunday.