Logistical problems delay ANC conference

Northern Cape event in Colesberg goes ahead despite reshuffle

THE ANC Northern Cape provincial elective conference got off to a rocky start yesterday, due to “technical glitches” with the registration of delegates in Colesberg. The programme was supposed to start at 8am, but only started late afternoon, after the electronic system to accredit delegates had crashed and delegates’ details had to be recorded manually.

Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa was due to deliver the keynote address yesterday, but he will now do so today.

Conference delegates said there was an “extremely peaceful atmosphere”, despite the bombshell of Premier Sylvia Lucas reshuffling her executive this week.

The shake-up ruffled feathers, with the national and provincial ANC structures as well as Cosatu aggrieved that they were not consulted. Cosatu provincial secretary Anele Gxoyiya called for the premier’s immediate resignation. Voting for the new provincial leadership is expected to get under way today. Contenders include Lucas and ANC provincial secretary Zamani Saul.

ANC provincial spokesperson Naledi Gaosekwe, said that apart from Ramaphosa’s speech that was shifted to today, the programme remained unchanged.

Saul pronounced his support for Ramaphosa to be elected as the successor to President Jacob Zuma.

“It is normal practice for a deputy president to become the president and it is the general attitude of members that Ramaphosa should be the next president. He will bring about stability and unity in the organisation,” said Saul.

Former MEC for finance, economic development and tourism Mac Jack said that he accepted his axing from the provincial cabinet “positively”.

“I knew that it was the premier’s own personal decision and not the organisation’s. It cannot be about performance or anything else,” said Jack.

Meanwhile, the two newly appointed MECs were sworn in by Northern Cape High Court Judge President Frans Kgomo yesterday. ANC Women’s League deputy secretary and ANC MPL Gail Parker was appointed as the new MEC for Finance, Economic Development and Tourism, while ANC MPL Alexandra Beukes was appointed as the MEC for Transport, Safety and Liaison.