Administrative challenges, including membership verification, could delay the ANC regional conference in Johannesburg.
ANC Johannesburg spokesperson Masilo Serekele said branches are still holding general meetings and electing executives. The region has not yet met the required 70% threshold to proceed with the conference by the end of August. Branches are expected to reach the threshold by Friday to allow further verification and dispute resolution.
Serekele explained that delays stem from issues with the bi-annual branch general meetings (BBGM), mainly due to problems with the new membership system. Some branches are still resolving discrepancies and queries.
The BBGM is responsible for electing new branch executives, who will then represent branches at the regional conference to choose leadership. As of Tuesday, 58% of branches had completed their tasks. The conference is now likely to take place in mid-September instead of late August, though Serekele said the delay has minimal impact.
An insider mentioned that Loyiso Masuku, the new MMC for finance, is among those vying for the regional chairperson position, alongside Mayor Dada Morero. Other candidates include Matshediso Mfikwe for deputy chairperson, Nomoya Mnisi for deputy secretary, and Maxwell Nedzama for treasurer.
Recently, provincial leaders intervened to ensure Morero appointed Masuku as MMC for finance. Serekele declined to confirm leadership contenders, stating that nominations are still underway and any speculation would be premature until the conference.
“We will wait for the conference. For now, it’s just speculation,” he said.