Duarte calls for end to ANC lobby groups

Duarte calls for end to ANC lobby groups

ANC deputy secretary general Jesse Duarte on Sunday called for an end to all lobby groups formed during the tightly contested KwaZulu-Natal ANC provincial leadership race.

Jesse Duarte
Gallo Images

Speaking at the ANC’s KwaZulu-Natal provincial elective conference at the Pietermaritzburg Royal Showgrounds, she said the “campaign machinery” should “dissolve and all contesting comrades to work together to lead ANC structures in the province” in the run-up to next year’s local government elections.


Her comments come just hours after Sihle Zikalala was elected provincial chairman, in a secret ballot.


Zikalala defeated incumbent Senzo Mchunu – KwaZulu-Natal premier.


“The [ANC national executive committee] also had to confront ill-discipline characterised by conduct of filibustering by some delegates. Those who sang divisive songs were called to order and instructed not to do so,” said Duarte.


The NEC was encouraged by the observation of the electoral commission that the election had been free and fair.


“The ANC NEC takes this opportunity to congratulate the newly-elected provincial officials of KwaZulu-Natal. We are confident that collectively and individually they have extensive leadership experience and exposure.


“This leadership collective, together with the [provincial executive committee] additional members yet to be elected will be expected to provide the much needed leadership to unite and continue to build a formidable and effective ANC in the province,” said Duarte.


The new leadership elected alongside Zikalala is Willies Mchunu deputy chairman, Super Zuma provincial secretary, Mluleki Ndobe deputy provincial secretary, and Nomusa Dube-Ncube treasurer.


The additional members were expected to be elected later on Sunday.

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