A CLOUD of uncertainty hangs over the ANC in the Free State as it grapples with internal conflicts which could see disruptions at its provincial elective conference at the weekend.

Disgruntled members held a provincial general council (PGC) meeting yesterday in a bid to resolve "abnormal political developments that have infested the organisation".

Those who gathered at Violet Hall at the Bloemfontein Showgrounds, claimed they were unhappy about the "disturbing posture and conduct" of national executive committee members deployed by Luthuli House to resolve problems in the province.

These include the emergence of parallel structures.

Sowetan understands the PGC was attended by, among others, provincial treasurer Mxolisi Dukwana who is expected to challenge current chairman Ace Magashule.

Dukwana was relieved of his duties as MEC for economic development by Magashule, apparently after a fallout. Dukwana is said to be backed by provincial secretary Sibongile Besani.

A letter was allegedly sent to Besani informing him about it and inviting the provincial executive committee.

However, the provincial ANC said it did not recognise this "unconstitutional" gathering.

"As far as we are concerned, we don't have such a PGC today. That meeting is not recognised. We are preparing for conference which starts on Friday," said ANC spokesman William Bulwana.

He said those who attended the meeting "went there in their own capacities".

Bulwana, however, admitted that branches were still to be informed that the elective conference would take place this weekend. He said this would be done as soon as the province had received a "sign-off" from ANC secretary general Gwede Mantashe.

"We have enough staff to call each and every one. There's no crisis."

Yesterday's PGC was also to decide whether the elective conference should go ahead or not.