Allies of former ANC Women's League president Bathabile Dlamini emerged as the victors in two of the most influential provinces during the organisation’s elections on Monday. (Elmond Jiyane, GCIS)
Allies of former ANC Women’s League president Bathabile Dlamini emerged as the victors in two of the most influential provinces during the organisation’s elections on Monday.
This came after several delays and claims of an unfair process which resulted in the conferences in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng being extended for another day.
One of Dlamini’s staunch allies in KwaZulu-Natal — Nonhlanhla Khoza — was elected the provincial chairperson, with Faith Mazibuko being elected in Gauteng.
The two provincial leaders supported Dlamini in her quest for re-election at last month’s elective conference.
The two conferences were meant to conclude on Sunday, however, claims of vote rigging resulted in delays.
In KwaZulu-Natal, delegates complained of possible voting manipulation after a video of women dressed in ANCWL regalia counting ballots at the beachfront circulated on social media.
In Gauteng, delegates refused to allow the announcement of results when it emerged that the votes of at least 30 delegates were in question.
In a statement, the national structure said that minor delays were encountered at the conferences, which had necessitated extending them by a day.
“The ANCWL will, in due course, give a comprehensive update on all the provincial conferences that have been convened to date through the appropriate platforms,” the statement read.
Both provincial slates linked to Dlamini delivered a clean sweep, however, narrowly winning against slates said to be linked to the newly elected ANCWL president Sisisi Tolashe.
Insiders said that the battle for control of the leagues relates to the upcoming ANC list conferences where public representatives will be selected for parliament and provincial legislatures.
There is also a strong belief that the leagues will help those with ambitions to lead the party in 2027, when President Cyril Ramaphosa’s term comes to an end.
In KwaZulu-Natal, Bongi Maloi was four votes shy of beating Khoza who received 601 votes. Khoza’s deputy Mbali Frazer received 649 votes while Phumzile Mbatha Cele lost with 545.
In the provincial secretary position, Zama Sokhabase received 608 votes and Shozi Matho 598 votes.
The deputy secretary Fikile Masiko received 650 votes beating Nondumiso Cele who got 593 votes.
Matozi Dlamini won the position of provincial treasurer with 608 votes while her contender Sishi Phindile took 597 votes.
In Gauteng, Mazibuko won the provincial chairperson position with 371 votes while Dolly Ledwaba received 331 votes. Mazibuko is also closely linked to ANC deputy secretary general Nomvula Mokonyane.
Tsidi Tsotetsi was elected deputy chairperson with 361 votes while her contender Lindiwe Khonjelwayo got 336 votes.
Teliswa Gweba was elected provincial secretary ahead of Esther Nhlapho who received 318 votes.
With 346 votes, Anah Gela narrowly beat Sylvia Mcungeli, who received 343 votes, to become the deputy provincial secretary.
Portia Sobantu was elected Gauteng provincial treasurer ahead of Sibongile Mphuti, who received 334 votes.