The ANC's 55th National Conference is taking place at Nasrec. (Delwyn Verasamy/M&G)
- “Who am I to have a stall inside Nasrec? It’s only the big businesses that the ANC would allow to set up inside. We’re only suited to sell by the side of the road”. — A street vendor.
- “The reports that we have asked for load-shedding exemption are not true. We are a very responsible organisation.” — Pule Mabe
- “The ANC can’t be exempted from load-shedding while the people of Soweto are without electricity. This would be a state capture of another kind.” — Pule Mabe
- “Khabazela (be patient) will close this conference.” — Zweli Mkhize advisor.
- “I am nervous, but not worried.” — Close lieutenant of President Cyril Ramaphosa.
- “For now, what we must all know is that the face of this team is Zweli Mkhize.” — Nono Maloyi.
- “There has been a lack of understanding of the level of animosity against the incumbent. This is like 2007 all over again.” — Mkhize advisor
- “This delegation will liberate South Africans who are tired of Eskom.” — Siboniso Duma, Mkhize’s biggest lobbyist, addressing delegates from KwaZulu-Natal, North West and Eastern Cape.
- “Cyril Ramaphosa camp predicts 2 680 votes.” — A delegate.
- “Akayi ndawo (he’s not going anywhere) uCyril, you can chant all you want.” — A delegate as others were chanting “akabuyi” (he is not coming back).
- “Phala Phala must go.” — A delegate.
- “Zweli Mkhize camp has made predictions equal to, or more than, the Ramaphosa camp.” — A delegate.
- “The matter of Andile Lungisa’s appeal has been raised as an objection to the adoption of credentials.” — A delegate, meaning that they’re not going to allow the conference to continue, unless Lungisa’s matter is discussed.
- “Chair has his hands full.” — A delegate.
- “I rejected my nomination to be on the NEC. I am retiring now, maybe to somewhere where there is a beach and mountains.” — Derek Hanekom
- “It’s clearly well-orchestrated.” — Many speakers lining up at the microphone to raise the same issue.”
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