DURBAN - THE ANC’s Moses Mabhida region held a successful 7th elective conference which elected the current mayor of Msunduzi Municipality, Mzimkhulu Thebolla, as its new chairperson.
The two-day conference took place over the weekend at Pietermaritzburg’s Harry Gwala Stadium.
The region is the second-largest support base for the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, and has in the past been marred with controversial appointments such as the nomination of corruption accused and now ward 29 councillor in the Msunduzi municipality, Sphamandla Madlala.
Before the commencement of the conference, former regional secretary and mayor of uMgungundlovu, Mzi Zuma, was tipped as the frontrunner for the position of chairperson, which prompted reports of rising factions in the region.
However, speaking to the Daily News after the announcement of the results, outgoing regional co-ordinator Mandla Zondi dismissed the reports, saying they were not aware of any existing factional battles.
“We are certain there are no existing battles of unhappy members in the region, but throughout the week, we observed delegates who were excited to be part of the elective conference which was successfully delivered, and resulted in a democratic outcome,” said Zondi.
He said the outgoing leaders addressed the conference with an organisational report that focused on the renewal of the party.
“We spoke to the conference about the task ahead, and what came about most was the need for renewal of the organisation. We also advised the incoming leaders to put more effort into the overseeing of government officials, and how our municipalities are run. In other words, we want them to look at the local government election results, analyse and formulate a strategy to renew the ANC and regain the lost ground,” said Zondi.
He said that during the conference, it became apparent to the leadership that there was a need for political education in line with the values of the ANC in the region.
“Unfortunately, we cannot say what the new leaders should solely focus on. But, we are concerned that there is also a critical need for political education within the region, as a tool that would get us back into the position we see the region to be in,” said Zondi.
Premier Sihle Zikalala, addressing the conference, called for the region to rid itself of divisive and factional politics.
“As we converge at this conference, we must engage honestly. We owe ourselves a constructive and candid engagement on what has arisen on the journey of this region, and by and large the province and nationally.
“We must be open about challenges and weaknesses that confront the organisation not for the sake of speaking about these, but to correct and build a strong and united region.
“The people we represent continue to protest against our sins of incumbency, corruption, patronage, and poor record of service delivery.
“May this conference mark a turning point in the life and history of our beloved movement. We hope that ANC cadres of unquestionable loyalty to the cause of our people will be supported to emerge to help us heal divisions and help the ANC to effectively deliver on its mandate.”
Other newly elected leaders in the region included Richmond mayor Samora Ndlovu, who was elected secretary-general, deputy chairperson Nhlakanipho Ntombela, and Mathobane Hlabisa as the treasurer-general.
Daily News