It’s all systems go for the African National Congress’s (ANC) 8th regional elective conference in the Fezile Dabi region, with delegates finalising registration ahead of the proceedings.
The gathering is set to begin later today at Woodlands Lodge in the tourist town of Parys in the northern Free State.
According to the organisation’s regional spokesperson Mongamotse Tsotet
Ngwathe Local Municipality mayor and ANC Regional Convenor Victoria De-Beer Mthombeni is vying for the position of regional chairperson. She faces strong competition from Lloyd Rabodila, who is said to command notable support.
Of the ANC’s 74 branches in the region, 51 have qualified to participate in the conference.
“A total of 54 branches initially qualified for the conference. However, following dispute resolution, three branches were disqualified and ordered to rerun. The final number of qualified branches is now 51,” said Tsotetsi.
This leaves 208 accredited delegates eligible to vote for a new leadership structure that will serve the region for the next three years.
Mthombeni is expected to officially open the conference later today, with proceedings likely to run until midnight as internal organisational matters are addressed.
Regional insiders have positioned her as the frontrunner in the race.
“I can confidently say that comrade Mthombeni will emerge victorious on Sunday as regional chairperson, as she enjoys overwhelming support from branches,” said one insider.
