/ 28 November 2012

Limpopo in danger of missing ANC nominations deadline

Almost 70 branches in the province's five regions had not held branch general meetings
Almost 70 branches in the province's five regions had not held branch general meetings

The conference was postponed on Tuesday night to allow branches to conclude their branch general meetings (BGMs).

Provincial secretary Soviet Lekganyane said almost 70 branches in the province's five regions had not held BGMs, which would exclude them from the nomination conference.

The branches have until Friday to hold BGMs.

This is also the national executive committee's (NEC) deadline for all provinces to have held their nomination conferences – a cut-off which has already been extended by four days.

ANC spokesperson Keith Khoza confirmed on Wednesday that the deadline was still November 30.

Faction calling for change
An extension could be granted only by the ANC's secretary general [SG] Gwede Mantashe.

"I'm not sure if they [Limpopo] have made submissions to the SG," Khoza said.

Limpopo is one of the power bases of a faction calling for a change in ANC leadership.

The provincial executive committee is supporting Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe to take over from President Jacob Zuma.

However, on Tuesday night Zuma supporters in the province gathered at Zororo lodge, on the outskirts of Polokwane.

A large crowd, many wearing T-shirts with a picture of Zuma's face printed on them, stood around chatting as music played in the background.

Stolen branches
A man danced and sang to the song "Msholozi for a second term". The people said they were branch delegates who had gone to Polokwane for the nomination conference.

Pro-Zuma delegates have complained that parallel branches in the province had stolen their branches from them.

The ANC holds its national elective conference in Mangaung next month.

Although Motlanthe has been endorsed by some in the party, it is still not clear whether he will contest Zuma.

Only one of the party's nine provinces, KwaZulu-Natal, has completed its nomination conference.

Favourites
The province, which is the ANC's biggest, has come out in support of Zuma for a second term. Mpumalanga and the Free State are also expected to support Zuma.

Four names have emerged as the favourites for deputy president.

Provinces calling for a second term for Zuma have endorsed Motlanthe or NEC member Cyril Ramaphosa as deputy president.

Those who want Zuma replaced are backing Human Settlements Minister Tokyo Sexwale or ANC treasurer general Mathews Phosa.

Gauteng, the Eastern Cape, and the Free State are expected to hold their nomination conferences in the next two days. – Sapa