By Teboho Moloi
QWAQWA – The ANC in the Free State has expressed confidence that the upcoming Thabo Mofutsanyana regional conference will proceed without disruption, despite underlying tensions and differing views within its ranks.
Provincial deputy chairperson Ketso Makume has urged delegates to rise above internal divisions and use the platform to strengthen unity ahead of crucial leadership decisions.
The three-day conference, set to begin on Friday, 17 April at Eden Farm in Dihlabeng, is expected to elect new regional leadership or reaffirm the current structure.
Makume said the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) is satisfied with the level of preparedness, noting that the region had addressed most of the concerns previously raised.
“They have completed verification processes for the conference, which will allow delegates to engage meaningfully on issues affecting communities and elect leadership. Whether they retain the current leadership or elect a new one is a decision for delegates,” he said.
Registration is scheduled to open at 10:00, with proceedings expected to start at 14:00.While acknowledging the likelihood of robust debate, Makume cautioned against allowing contestation to fracture the organisation.
“Differences of opinion are expected, but they must not lead to divisions. Conferences must always seek to minimize disunity and provide a platform for smooth and constructive engagement,” he said.
Makume also used the opportunity to reaffirm the ANC’s confidence in its leadership capacity in the province, dismissing recent motions of no confidence against some of its deployed mayors as largely politically driven.
However, he conceded that in certain cases, such actions stem from legitimate governance concerns.
“In municipalities where we do not have an outright majority, coalition dynamics make stability difficult. Our intention is always for deployed mayors to complete their terms, but that is not always possible,” he said.
Referring to recent developments in Maluti-a-Phofung, Makume said tensions surrounding former mayor Malekula Melato had necessitated intervention.
“We accepted the concerns raised. Due to the tensions in the municipality, she could not complete her term. Importantly, coalition partners still wanted leadership from the ANC, not from outside the organisation,” he said.
The conference is expected to be a critical test of the ANC’s internal cohesion in the region, as factions jostle for influence while the party attempts to project unity ahead of future electoral battles.
