The new provincial ANC chairperson, Siboniso Duma, dismissed rumours that Zikalala would have to make way for him after he was defeated in a contest for chairperson of the province.

The fears were sparked by what Zikalala’s camp did to the then former premier, Senzo Mchunu, who was removed soon after he lost his chairperson position to Zikalala in 2015.

Duma, who defeated Zikalala by 930 to 665 for the position of chairperson, said the new leadership would focus on building and renewing ANC towards the 2024 general election to ensure that it retains the province.

“We will not purge those members who had run against us in the conference because that would put the party at risk of  losing the province to the IFP,” said Duma.

His words were echoed by the new provincial secretary, Bheki Mtolo, who said the new leadership was in the same provincial executive committee that recommended Zikalala’s name for premiership therefore they cannot overturn their own decision.

Duma promised to mend the ANC relations with amakhosi, the Zulu royal family as well as Nazareth Baptist Church (Shembe) to strengthen relationship with these institution, adding they were very important stakeholders which the ANC needs

Duma’s slate, which was known as the “Taliban” made a clean sweep in the conference that started on Friday and ends today in Durban.