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🇿🇦 South Africa /Elections & Politics

ANC leaders accused of 'by hook or by crook' conference manipulation

From Mail & Guardian · (12m ago) English Critical tone

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

TLDR

  • ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and deputy Nomvula Mokonyane are accused of manipulating the West Rand regional conference to favor their preferred candidates.
  • Allegations suggest that financial incentives were involved in 'buying' the conference to ensure the election of candidates who would secure mayoral and leadership positions.
  • Regional leaders deny the accusations, stating that the conference followed organizational procedures and that the claims are a malicious attempt to tarnish leaders' reputations.

The Mail & Guardian has been informed of serious allegations surrounding the West Rand regional conference of the African National Congress (ANC). Secretary-general Fikile Mbalula and his deputy, Nomvula Mokonyane, stand accused of orchestrating a plan to manipulate the conference outcomes, ensuring their favored individuals secure key positions.

Mbalula and Mokonyane wanted their preferred candidates to win “by hook or by crook” and that they were even reportedly prepared to manipulate the organisational processes of the conference to favour them.

— Three regional executive committee (REC) membersAllegations from REC members regarding the alleged manipulation of the West Rand regional conference.

Sources within the regional executive committee (REC) allege that the manipulation is driven by a desire to control government resources. The accusation is stark: money has allegedly been exchanged to 'buy' the conference. This is particularly concerning as the current REC reportedly lacks the majority needed to recommend certain candidates for mayoral and chief whip positions, positions they are keen to secure before their term ends in June.

This is about accessing the purse of the government. There has been money exchanged to ‘buy’ the conference.

— One REC memberA regional executive committee member explains the alleged motive behind the conference manipulation.

Regional secretary Mkhuseli Jokazi deflected questions, referring inquiries to the party's national spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu. However, ANC West Rand regional chairperson William Matsheke vehemently denied the allegations. He asserted that such claims, suggesting that a regional chairperson could influence national leaders, are malicious and intended to damage the reputations of Mbalula and Mokonyane.

The chair and the secretary do not have a majority in the REC.

— One REC memberA regional executive committee member highlights a potential reason for the urgency in convening the conference.

Matsheke defended the decision to proceed with the conference, stating it was in line with an adopted roadmap and condoned by the national office. He suggested that accusations often arise when organizational processes do not favor certain individuals, emphasizing the need to respect the office of the secretary-general. While Matsheke denied any wrongdoing, the Mail & Guardian continues to investigate these serious claims of undue influence and potential corruption within the party's internal processes.

If we go to elections now, the regional secretary and the chair will not be recommended for mayoral positions. That is why they want the conference now, to ensure they get the REC they want so they can be recommended.

— One REC memberA regional executive committee member elaborates on the strategic timing of the conference.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Mail & Guardian in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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