By Teboho Moloi
PARYS – The Free State ANC says it has the capacity to resolve internal disputes without resorting to the courts, as regional conferences conclude amid tensions in parts of the province.
Provincial secretary Polediso Motsoeneng said differences within the party are inevitable but should be handled internally.
He was speaking in Parys on Sunday as the African National Congress held regional conferences in Fezile Dabi and Lejweleputswa.
The Lejweleputswa gathering proceeded after days of uncertainty, with some members threatening legal action.
Motsoeneng said the successful convening of conferences across the province signals organisational stability ahead of elections.
“We are going to disappoint the doomsayers who claim the ANC is tired and irrelevant. We are in touch with our people, and our campaign is in full swing. We are ready to secure a decisive victory,” he said.
In Fezile Dabi, delegates re-elected the entire top five unopposed. Victoria de Beer retained the chairperson position, alongside deputy chairperson Isaac Ngozo, secretary Nthabiseng Magegenene, deputy secretary Kau Khumalo and treasurer Lucas Fisher.
In Lejweleputswa, Xolile Toki emerged as the new chairperson. The leadership team includes deputy chairperson Boitumelo Seakge, secretary Irvin Riet, deputy secretary Victoria van Rooyen and treasurer Dikeledi Direko.
Motsoeneng also called on former members to return, saying the party is open to reconciliation and internal “rehabilitation”.
“The ANC is willing to confront its mistakes and rebuild. There is space for those who want to come back and contribute,” he said.
He stressed the need to integrate young leaders with experienced cadres, warning members against resisting party decisions, including recalls from public office.
“Positions are not personal possessions. They belong to the organisation and can be withdrawn,” he said.
Motsoeneng urged delegates to focus on mobilising communities and strengthening stakeholder engagement ahead of the polls.
“Our people want to see action. We must deepen community participation and prove that the ANC remains the leading representative of the people,” he said.
