ANC power struggle threatens premier
THERE are clandestine moves to unseat one of President Jacob Zuma's strongest allies, Free State Premier and ANC chairman Ace Magashule.
UNDER SIEGE: Free State Premier Ace Magashule faces internal revolt. Though provincial secretary Sibongile Besani denied his involvement when confronted at a PEC meeting recently, Sowetan can reveal he is under pressure to challenge Magashule for the chairman's position at the provincial conference next June.
Yesterday, provincial spokesman William Bulwane said Besani had denied speculations that he would contest against Magashule at the provincial conference.
"Besani denied during a PEC meeting that he plans to stand for the chairman position," said Bulwane.
But sources have insisted that Besani will challenge Magashule for the position.
Besani backers and other factions in the province are united behind former ANCYL leader Saki Mofokeng to stand for the secretary general position uncontested.
Magashule, who is popular at grassroots level, is said to have lost support after alienating some key ANC members in his government and in the party.
Provincial ANC sources said Magashule had been holding meetings with his trusted lieutenants to plan on how to defuse a possible challenge for leadership.
Two regions, Thabo Mofutsanyana and Lejweputswa, which were regarded as launching pads for the removal of Magashule, were disbanded recently.
Bulwane yesterday said the two regions had disintegrated because of infighting and divisions.
"Divisions in the two regions affected branches and functions of the ANC. A task team from the provincial executive committee has been deployed to run the regions," Bulwane said.
In the event that Besani, who does not command massive support, falters, his backers are said to be willing to throw their weight behind a faction rooting for ANC provincial treasurer Mxolisi Dukwana.
The outcomes of the coming regional elective conference will give an indication of the balance of forces in the province.
Bulwane said Thabo Mofutsanyana and Lejweputswa regions would hold their conferences next month. Xhariep, Motheo and Fezile Dabi regions will hold their conferences in November.
halala!!!
reducing the speed limit to 10 will cause more frustrations on the roads!!!, which will then cause more accidents!!why buy a car which can go up to 260km/h and drive only 100? then they should just approach the motor industry and ask them not to make cars which can go beyond 100km/h??? which is totaly insane and will never ever happen!
Minister, just give up!!! ur idea is totaly bizarre!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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boyabatho
@halala!!!wake up,good morning,we r talking about ace magashule and his leadership.
welcome, fell free.
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guiliano
I wonder if they are aware that these division in the anc are killing our liberation movement and eventually they will destroy our country.Report Abuse
masepa
Ace will win even though his a Gupta boy, Besani and the mentioned guys are not popular and do not even command support. They will all loose at the hands of Ace again. All the people mentioned and their alternatives will not defeat Ace.Report Abuse
Sandile84
Fighting for power to make yourself rich instead of fighting for power to make a difference in people's lives.Report Abuse
MommaC
I wish our politicians would spend half as much energy on doing their jobs as they do on internal power plays.Report Abuse