Chairs fly at ANC Peter Mokaba conference as Mpe wins third term
John Mpe was re-elected unopposed as the ANC Peter Mokaba chair amid violent clashes and allegations of bogus delegates.
POLOKWANE – John Mpe has been re-elected unopposed as chairperson of the ANC’s Peter Mokaba Region for a third term, following a chaotic elective conference marred by violent clashes, allegations of irregularities, and police intervention.
Read more: VIDEO: Chaos erupts at ANC Peter Mokaba conference
The announcement was made on Thursday evening, May 22 by ANC member Adolph Rapetswa, who spoke on behalf of both the outgoing Regional Executive Committee (REC) and the Regional Task Team (RTT).
The new leadership was elected uncontested at the ongoing 10th elective conference held at the Peter Mokaba Sports Complex in Polokwane, despite the venue descending into chaos earlier in the day when dissatisfied delegates clashed — hurling chairs and tablecloths at one another in protest.
The newly elected top five officials of the REC are:
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Chairperson: John Mpe
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Deputy Chairperson: Edward Paya
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Secretary: Lesiba Matsemela
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Deputy Secretary: Kholofelo Lehong
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Treasurer: Merriam Molala
Rapetswa confirmed that the elected members came from what was widely seen as a “preferred slate” aligned to Mpe, and that no competing candidates from the opposing faction, linked to Mamedupi Teffo, stood for nomination.
Read more: Branch disputes threaten ANC Peter Mokaba conference amid tensions
However, tensions remain high.
ANC member Thabo Mabotja, representing a dissenting group of delegates, raised serious concerns about the legitimacy of the proceedings.
He claimed the conference did not meet the necessary quorum to continue with elections and said a formal complaint would be submitted to the ANC’s provincial and national structures.
“We believe these elections were irregular and premature. We will be engaging the provincial and national leadership on this matter,” said Mabotja.
Earlier in the day, some delegates had accused the RTT of allowing “bogus” delegates into the venue. The situation worsened as verbal disputes escalated into physical confrontations, prompting police to intervene and restore order.
During a media briefing on Thursday night, Rapetswa addressed the violent scenes and defended the legitimacy of the proceedings. He dismissed the allegations and stated that all protocols were followed by the party’s regional structures.
The ANC in the Peter Mokaba Region is expected to finalise the remainder of the elective conference proceedings today.
