The ANC’s coming North West conference is likely to mark the end of the traditional practice of electing leaders from “slates”, or lists of favoured candidates, raising the possibility of party unity in a province that has been fractured for years.
The practice has heightened factional tendencies in the party, as factions tend to line up behind slates. The ANC’s national leadership has been trying, so far unsuccessfully, to discourage it at elective conferences.
The Mail & Guardian has learned that on the eve of the North West gathering, due in Rustenburg this weekend, none of the four current lobby groups commands majority support, allowing for the emergence of alliances of convenience.
The groups include one led by the former provincial executive committee; another led by the provincial task team that has led the province on a temporary basis for the past 18 months; a breakaway from supporters of the task team; and those who regard themselves as “the middle ground”. A candidate from Mafikeng whose name has been mentioned for several positions said the lobbying was confusing.
“Comrades are calling each other every day. It’s a hard one. No one can say there are two or three lists because things keep changing. There’s a lot of realignment.” Said another party source: “No one is sleeping, otherwise you might wake up and find your name is no longer on the list. It’s now survival of the fittest.”
Former provincial secretary Supra Mahumapelo is being punted for re-election, but faces a challenge from South African Communist Party executive committee member Zakes Molale, ANC Youth League national executive committee member Kabelo Mataboge and ANC Women’s League provincial secretary Lenah Miga.
Contenders for the provincial chairperson’s job include the former chairperson and current speaker of the provincial legislature, Nono Maloyi, and businessmen Mmoloki Pheelwane and Raymond Motsepe.
The transition
Some names are being mentioned for several positions. An ally of ANC national organiser Fikile Mbalula, who is close to the lobbying, said the fact that no group commands an absolute majority is a good sign. “The transition helped to dissolve the two big factions that used to dominate ANC politics in the province. Enemies are now meeting to try to form the strongest force,” the source said.
Mbalula became a factor in the province after some in the ANC Youth League made it known that they wanted him to take over from Gwede Mantashe as ANC secretary general in 2012. Provinces then started aligning themselves with him or Mantashe.
The lobbying is so scattered that some have proposed a negotiated leadership that will include members of all groups. A key member of the disbanded provincial executive committee’s (PEC’s) top five said that the proposal, widely supported by members of the former provincial leadership, is intended to create stability.
“There must be a consensus list because the period we are in is a transitional one,” said the former PEC member. “What must characterise the period is a negotiated outcome that will result in a united package.”
There was talk that North West Premier Thandi Modise could run for the chairperson’s position, but three sources close to her denied this. Modise, widely respected by all factions, is said to be working behind the scenes for unity. “She’s playing her role as an national executive committee member,” said a former PEC member.
“We have a powerful premier who is the deputy secretary general of the party. No PEC can tell her what to do,” said a candidate. “Why would she stand for a lower position? She’s been sent to provide political leadership.” Modise was sent to the North West in November last year after former premier Maureen Modiselle failed to make government function.
SACP provincial secretary Madoda Sambatha said that elected leaders should be given the space to work for the party “irrespective of who they campaigned for before the conference. After election results have been announced and accepted, all factions should disband.”
Sambatha said the SACP would welcome efforts to unite the North West ANC, including by means of a negotiated, inclusive leadership. However, he doubted that compromises could be reached. “It’s not impossible, but it would be a miracle in the North West. Here people contest in the ANC purely for economic power,” Sambatha said.