North West Premier Edna Molewa is likely to consolidate her position in the province when branches finally elect her as the African National Congress chairperson at the provincial congress on Sunday.
Molewa is almost certain to succeed former premier Popo Molefe as chairperson, as she is the only nominee for the position.
If elected, Molewa will be safe from the conflicts that have bedevilled the two woman premiers, Free State’s Beatrice Marshoff and Eastern Cape’s Nosimo Balindlela, who have faced opposition from ANC provincial structures.
Molewa has been supported by the ANC in North West despite the popularity of leaders such as Darkie Afrika. Afrika is said to be contending for the position of deputy chair, where he is likely to compete with former health provincial minister Molefi Sefularo. Molefe quit politics last year to join the private sector.