PAC refutes claims of 'bogus delegates' electing party leader

PAN Africanist Congress of Azania (PAC) President Mzwanele Nyhontso emerged victorious from this past weekend’s elective conference despite calls for his ousting ahead of the gathering in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape.

Nyhontso faced off against senior national executive committee (NEC) member Mtutuzeli Mama.

However his re-election has been marred by controversy with some party members now threatening to challenge the conference outcomes in court, claiming that the new leadership had been elected by 481 bogus delegates.

These are the same members who wanted Nyhontso to be ousted over the PAC’s decision to participate in the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The members said this decision was taken based on “stomachs and desperation” to get jobs.

They claimed that statistics and credentials had been manipulated at the conference.

“Constitutionally, the congress collapsed because it had degenerated into chaos. By 12 in the afternoon, the issue of credentials had not been resolved, because it was controversial in every step,” said the members.

According to the sources, 706 members were accredited to attend the congress, but only 481 delegates were present.

“The congress has collapsed constitutionally. The reason is that they have started the process of elections without (taking into account the) objection to the adoption of credentials. There are still outstanding grievances from branches, especially Makwetu region and other branches,” said one source, who added that a proposal was also made that a committee should be appointed to investigate the discrepancies. The source said the proposal was ignored.

While Nyhontso did not respond to calls and messages, PAC spokesperson, Analisa Mpisane on Sunday denied the allegations, saying the leadership was elected in a smooth and fair electoral process, adding that the party would also issue a press statement.

Cape Times