By JN Reporter
A simmering power rivalry within the ANC in Mangaung has erupted into the open, as competing factions gear up for a leadership showdown for the control of the region as well as the Metro municipality’s resources.
The ANC’s highly anticipated regional elective conference is set to get underway tomorrow in Bloemfontein, with current deputy chairperson, Vusi Soqaga, poised to topple the incumbent chairperson, Lawrence Mathae, for the region’s top position.
A source close to the developments says Deputy Regional Secretary, Lulama Titi-Odili, has also entered the race for the chairperson post, adding further pressure on Mathae’s bid for re-election.
According to the source, this conference will be unlike any seen before, with fierce contestation expected across all top positions. Three candidates are set to battle it out for the chairperson seat, with Soqaga reportedly holding the upper hand.
"Unlike the previous conference you have seen, this is a different gathering with fierce contestation in all positions. Three candidates will contest for the chairperson position, and comrade Vusi is leading the numbers… most branches are rallying behind him since comrade Lawrence broke alliance with him and joined the opposing faction,” said the source.
Journal News understands that regional spokesperson Ncamile Nxangisa is being tipped for the regional secretary position under Soqaga’s slate. However, Nxangisa has played down the speculation.
“I do not nominate myself, but I will serve anywhere the branches of the ANC or delegates want me to go,” he said.
Nxangisa is expected to face off against incumbent regional secretary, Sabelo Pitso, regional treasurer, Sipho Mnembe, and former provincial secretary, Paseka Nompondo - who is making an ambitious return bid for the position.
Despite six disputes currently before Luthuli House’s National Dispute Resolution Committee, the region is believed to have met the required threshold and is set to proceed with its Regional Executive Committee elections.
More details will be available in the print edition of Journal News tomorrow.
