The Gauteng ANC says it cannot confirm reports that four out of five provincial regions have decided to back deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe to take over as party president at its elective conference in Mangaung. 

“Our position as province is that we don’t know who the branches have nominated,” African National Congress provincial spokesman Dumisa Ntuli said.  

“We cannot confirm that the branches have decided to back a certain candidate.” 

The Star reported on Monday that according to “ANC insiders”, Motlanthe received support from the Tshwane, Johannesburg, Sedibeng and West Rand regions.

Only the Ekurhuleni region voted for Zuma.

It also reported that the branches of Zuma adviser Lindiwe Zulu, Zuma’s alleged funders the Gupta brothers, former spy boss Mo Shaik, Science and Technology Minister Derek Hanekom, national executive committee member Billy Masetlha, and ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe had decided to back Motlanthe.  

The branches of SA Communist Party leader Blade Nzimande and Gauteng Premier Nomvula Mokonyane were found not to be in good standing to be represented in Mangaung in December.  

Both, however, will attend the conference as NEC members.

ANC branch members in Ekurhuleni accused their regional secretary of setting up a team to disrupt every meeting where Motlanthe was supposed to have been nominated in the region.