Senzo Mchunu. File photo
This was despite attempts by senior ANC leaders to prevent him from succeeding Premier Zweli Mkhize.
The Mail & Guardian understands Mkhize and President Jacob Zuma preferred Mchunu's opponent Willies Mchunu to lead the party in the province.
In the run-up to the ANC's elective conference in Mangaung, Senzo Mchunu was linked to the "forces of change" group, which was pushing for Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe to replace Zuma as ANC president, but he has since distanced himself from the group.
Willies Mchunu, supported by Ethekwini, the ANC Women's League and alliance partners Cosatu and the SA Communist Party, will retain his current position as the ANC deputy chairperson in the province.
ANC spokesperson Bongani Mthembu said Senzo Mchunu had garnered 385 votes to the 373 of his opponent.
The party's provincial secretary Sihle Zikalala said at a press conference on Saturday afternoon that the battle for the leadership of the party in the province had been a very relaxed affair.
"I haven't seen a T-shirt with Willies or Senzo on it," he joked.
Zikalala said the party was focusing on how to improve its results in the 2014 national election.
In the last national election, the party won almost 62% of the vote in the province. – Sapa