AS the ANC Greater Johannesburg Region prepares for its upcoming elective conference, Regional Secretary Sasabona Manganye has provided insight into the region's readiness and the challenges it has faced in the last term of office.

According to Manganye, the region has been actively engaging with the Provincial Task Team (PTT) to ensure a smooth conference.

"The Regional Office Bearers (ROB) in Joburg did meet with the PTT to take them through our readiness to conference, but with more focus on the local government matters," Manganye said.

However, there are no plans for a meeting between the region and President Cyril Ramaphosa, who was visiting the province last week, ahead of the conference.

"The PTT, where the region is represented by the Regional Chairperson and Regional Secretary has met The President," Manganye clarified.

The region has faced significant challenges in the last term of office, including an electoral decline in 2024 that impacted both provincial and national levels.

"That made us double our efforts in rebuilding and renewing our structures to focus more on recruitment, political education, community-based programs, and service delivery," Manganye said.

Despite these challenges, preparations for the elective conference are proceeding apace.

"All is in order so far, and we should have the required number of branches that qualify to go to the conference," Manganye reported. "All branches are required to engage in a recruitment drive, especially in getting members to renew their membership, political education, which includes induction of new members and attending the foundational course. Lastly, they will convene pre-BGM, which will lead to the actual BGM."

However, factionalism remains a challenge within the region's leadership ahead of the conference.

"Factionalism has always been a challenge in the organisation, and unfortunately, it is something we are still battling to defeat," said Manganye. "In Johannesburg, historically, branches have rejected factional slates of leadership."

Manganye emphasised that the conference preparations are being conducted organisationally, without consideration for factional divisions.

"The preparations processes are done organisationally, and no considerations of any divisions of factional groupings," he stressed.

Previously Independent Media reported that Sources within the region have revealed that the elective conference is expected to be highly contested, with two candidates, current regional deputy secretary Loyiso Masuku, and present chairperson and City of Johannesburg mayor, Dada Morero, vying for the position of chairperson.

A source close to the REC said both candidates’ survival would depend on who works with Regional Secretary Sasabona Manganye.

He said Manganye was not in any of the two factions but commanding the ground and was powerful.

“It is rumoured that Manganye might work with his current Deputy Secretary Loyiso Masuku as Dada Morero, who is contesting for chairperson, is likely to now back another candidate close to him for regional secretary,” added the source.

Another source indicated that the regional Lekgotla had resolved to attempt to resolve the leadership contest through consensus.

“The position of chair and secretary should not be contested, and the current incumbents are serving their first term and should be left to serve the second term,” said the source.

Another source indicated that the regional Lekgotla had resolved to attempt to resolve the leadership contest through consensus.

“The position of chair and secretary should not be contested, and the current incumbents are serving their first term and should be left to serve the second term,” said the source.

The region, in a statement, has called on all members and branches to engage actively in the mandate renewal period.

“The 16th Regional Conference will not only chart our path forward but also reinforce our commitment to building a Johannesburg that is prosperous and reflective of the highest aspirations of our diverse communities,” said the region in a statement.

The statement further emphasised the importance of discipline during this period.

“The ‘Through the Eye of a Needle’ document should guide our conduct in addressing the matter of leadership preferences,” said Manganye.

“Any conduct that seeks to undermine the unity and cohesion of the ANC will be addressed in line with Rule 25 of the ANC Constitution,” read the statement.

The elective conference is expected to be a highly contested event, with sources indicating that there are already factions emerging within the region.

However, the ANC Greater Johannesburg Region has emphasised its commitment to a fair and transparent process.

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ANC Greater Johannesburg Region prepares for crucial elective conference amid challenges