ANC Peter Mokaba conference challenged over disqualified branches
Disqualified branches and unresolved disputes spark calls to dissolve the ANC Peter Mokaba REC with national leadership to review the outcome.
POLOKWANE – The 10th ANC Peter Mokaba Regional Conference was last week hosted at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium, amid allegations of irregularities and internal disputes raised by a section of delegates and branch representatives.
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The Regional Executive Committee (REC) was elected unopposed, with Polokwane Mayor John Mpe re-elected as chairperson. The rest of the elected top five members are chairperson John Mpe, deputy chairperson Edward Paya, secretary Lesiba Matsemela, deputy secretary Kholofelo Lehong and treasurer Merriam Molala.
The slate was uncontested as the opposing candidates did not accept nominations.
Prior to and during the conference, some attendees raised concerns about procedural compliance and delegates aligned with ANC Women’s League Provincial Chairperson and Capricorn District Mayor Mamedupi Teffo, who was not elected, alleged that the conference was convened in violation of ANC constitutional guidelines.
Concerns included the alleged participation of disqualified branches, the presence of unverified delegates, and unresolved disputes submitted to the ANC’s National Dispute Resolution Committee, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, and ANC Limpopo provincial secretary Reuben Madadzhe.
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According to documentation shared with the media by supporters of Teffo, including Dineo Makhura and Thabo Mabotja, 31 branches were disqualified in a final dispute report, leaving only 74 qualifying branches – below the required 70% threshold (79 branches).
Delegates who raised these issues argued that the conference should not have proceeded without addressing outstanding disputes. The conference continued, and the elections were held.
ANC provincial officials present, including MEC Thabo Mokone and ANC deputy provincial chairperson Florence Radzilani, stated that disruptions were not aligned with formal procedures and called for the continuation of proceedings.
Following the conference, a statement issued by some delegates called on national ANC leadership to:
Set aside all outcomes and resolutions of the conference.
Dissolve the elected REC.
Establish a preparatory committee to organise a new conference within 30 days, in line with ANC processes.
ANC Limpopo Provincial Spokesperson Jimmy Machaka confirmed that the party has received formal complaints regarding the conference and that the matter has been escalated to the national structure and to Mbalula for review and guidance.
No final decision has yet been made by national leadership regarding the outcomes of the conference or the submitted disputes.
