ANC members cry foul over 'rigged' regional conference

DISGRUNTLED ANC members in the Northern Cape have called for the outcomes of the recent regional conferences to be declared unconstitutional, alleging that the processes were “rigged”.

They warned that the 2026 local government elections would be “very difficult” to campaign for, and predicted that party support could dwindle to 40 percent.

"Many members are joining opposition parties such as MK and the EFF, or have dual membership with the ANC," they claimed. 

Members apparently stormed into the Frances Baard regional offices armed with pangas last week while registration was taking place because their preferred candidate was prevented from contesting. 

While Wende Marekwa was elected as the new Frances Baard regional chairperson, some members believed that former regional chairperson Mangaliso Matika and advocate Thulani Binase - the HOD of the Department of Agriculture, Environmental Affairs, Rural Development and Land Reform - should have been given the opportunity to contest.

Matika was prevented from running for the regional leadership after he was appointed as MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture. 

"It was a whitewash victory as we were not allowed to democratically cast our votes. There were more private security and police officers than delegates at the Frances Baard regional conference that took place at the Reokafela resort in Barkly West from April 11 to 13,” the disgruntled members said.

Allegations of vote manipulation and factional favouritism

Members who lodged disputes cited intimidation, interference and manipulation of processes to favour certain “factions” so that specific individuals could be catapulted into positions of power. 

“Qualifying delegates were prevented from entering the venue, while disqualified branches and those that had failed their audit reports were allowed to participate. The conference was rushed, to prevent the disbanding of the region and province. Delegates who voted for the wrong leader were removed at the gates.”  

They also claimed that branches and voting delegates were not verified, while conferences convened without forming a quorum. 

“No one was allowed to challenge or dispute anything. Delegates were elected at illegal branch general meetings. Delegate lists were manipulated to secure a predetermined win.” 

One member stated that they were threatened with the termination of their contracts or jobs if they did not vote for the pre-selected leadership.

“How do the masses vote for a party that refuses to listen to its own members? A silent attack was made against Binase. He has experience and political acumen. Matika enjoys support on the ground. The new leadership does not enjoy widespread support.” 

He pointed out that the ANC would have to account for poor service delivery in the upcoming government elections. 

“Nothing is being done about overflowing drains, poor road conditions, unbuilt houses and empty promises.”

He encouraged the SACP to contest the municipal elections to prevent a mass exodus of ANC members.

Some members highlighted that criminal charges, including culpable homicide and driving under the influence, were previously brought against the newly elected Frances Baard regional chairperson in 2017.

“The mother of the pedestrian who was killed in the culpable homicide case wants her son’s body to be exhumed and returned to Lesotho. She is also living in extreme poverty and dependent on a social grant,” they said.

Accused was acquitted on all charges

The regional spokesperson for the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA), Mojalefa Senokoatsane, said the accused was acquitted on all charges, including culpable homicide, drunk driving, failure to ascertain injuries, failure to stop after an accident, and failure to report an accident.

"The accused was arraigned for trial in the district court and the trial was dealt with by an experienced prosecutor. The accused was represented by advocate Nel. The accused was acquitted on all charges based on the contradictory evidence of the State witnesses,” said Senokoatsane.

He explained that the State could not appeal the case or start it afresh as the accused was acquitted on facts and not a question of law.

"The accused would raise a defence of autrefois acquit, as he was formerly acquitted by a competent court, and he cannot be tried twice for the same offence." 

Senokoatsane added that the mother of the deceased could proceed with an application for the exhumation of her son’s remains.

“There was never any undue influence on the matter from the police, accused, or prosecutors, either directly or indirectly, that came to our attention. No charges were withdrawn; the matter went to trial, where the accused pleaded not guilty and was ultimately discharged.”

The ANC is in the process of responding to media enquiries.

* Read updates on this story on the DFA’s website: https://dfa.co.za/