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Politics, Maverick News

Wrapped: ANC conference adjourned until 5 January, Ramaphosa calls for unity in closing address

By Daily Maverick

16 Dec 2022

Daily Maverick is reporting live from the ANC National Elective Conference, held at Nasrec in Johannesburg.

Visit our dedicated page for more news, commentary and insights on what's happening at the conference and what it means.
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https://twitter.com/Queenin_M/status/1605203347048366081

https://twitter.com/LudidiVelani/status/1605202518258114560

https://twitter.com/LudidiVelani/status/1605198109163888641

https://twitter.com/Queenin_M/status/1605199493720309761

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It’s a messy end to a conference full of delays but ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa looking like a mighty relieved person. - Ferial Haffajee

Because of time constraints the ANC could not adopt any reports coming from commissions. - Queenin Masuabi

https://youtu.be/ImYG9gLqHew

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says the party does not have a two-thirds delegates quorum to pass constitutional amendments. There are many seats empty. - Ferial Haffajee

Mbalula says ‘super-delegate from Nkandla’ Jacob Zuma left before the end of the ANC’s elective conference. (Comment: He had a bad time with attention-seeking antics bombing.) - Ferial Haffajee

https://twitter.com/Nkulee_Njilo/status/1605192477174013953

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa will deliver a “round-up” speech. - Queenin Masuabi

Marianne Merten In an unprecedented announcement, ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula said the conference will adjourn to 5 January when it goes into hybrid mode in the provinces. "We are under pressure... People have to leave, the majority because of transport," Mbalula says. - Marianne Merten

The ANC is expected to adjourn the elective conference to the 5th of January. Voting for NEC members is still underway. - Queenin Masuabi

By Nonkululeko Njilo

ANC women’s hopes — Emancipation expectations weigh heavy on Maropene Ramokgopa

Those who have been closely following the ANC’s politics over the years would know that the newly-elected “second” deputy secretary general of the ANC is no new kid on the block, having been deployed to critical positions by three ANC presidents.

Newly appointed second deputy secretary-general Maropene Ramokgopa speaks to journalists on the sidelines of at the ANC's 55th national conference. (Photo: Leila Dougan)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C5GntJ655u0

By Queenin Masuabi

Count, and count again – electoral committee defends ‘transparent’ process to pick Top Seven

The ANC Electoral Committee, led by former party deputy president Kgalema Motlanthe, has had the arduous task of monitoring the highly contested leadership race, and believes its processes ‘can stand up to scrutiny’.

elective conference — Delegates united in song before the announcement of the results at the 55th National Conference on 19 December 2022. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

The final list of "Renewal" candidates who will be vying to be in the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) has been announced. This is the group aligned to ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa. - Queenin Masuabi

https://twitter.com/Queenin_M/status/1604909903923085316

By Rebecca Davis

Ramaphosa, Mashatile & Newco – These are the ANC’s Top Seven

The incoming Top Seven of the ANC sees a return of three members, with four new arrivals. We take a look at the new team at the top of the ruling party.

anc top seven — The ANC Top Seven, from left: Second Deputy Secretary-General Maropene Ramokgopa. (Photo: Leila Dougan) | Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. (Photo: Brenton Geach) | President Cyril Ramaphosa. (Photo: Leila Dougan) | Treasurer-General Gwen Ramokgopa. (Photo: Leila Dougan) | First Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane. (Photo: Lucky Nxumalo) | Deputy President Paul Mashatile, (Photo: Leon Sadiki / Bloomberg via Getty Images) | Chairman Gwede Mantashe. (Photo: Leila Dougan)

By Malibongwe Tyilo

Satirically Speaking: The South Africa Show’s Xmas Special — Somebody please check on Daddy’s little Dudu and her pet RETs

The South Africa Show’s portrayal of a daughter’s love for her father, her Machiavellian machinations to save him from his fate, and her eventual descent into madness, make for one of the most tragically captivating performances ever seen on screen. Brava!!!!

Former president Jacob Zuma's daughter, Duduzile, records Zuma supporters singing pro-Zuma songs at the end of the first day of the ANC's 55th national conference. (Photo: Leila Dougan)

By Tim Cohen

Ramaphosa, renewal and the vision thing

There is an old joke about a journalist who asks three CEOs the same question: What is the secret of your success? Amazingly, they all answer the same way, asking, ‘How did you get into my office?’

after the bell — President Cyril Ramaphosa at the 55th ANC National Elective Conference at Nasrec, Johannesburg on 16 December 2022. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

https://youtu.be/fmPi15kEGKw

By Chris Makhaye

Zuma’s influence on the wane as KZN fails to deliver at ANC conference

As soon as the results of the ANC’s 55th national conference were announced, it became clear that the biggest loser was the KwaZulu-Natal ANC — ironically, the province with the largest number of delegates at 877.

zuma kzn — From left: Zweli Mkhize. (Photo: Mandla Langa) | Mdumiseni Ntuli (Photo: Gallo Images / Darren Stewart) | Phumulo Masualle (Photo: Gallo Images / Beeld / Deaan Vivier)

https://youtu.be/JDUHdeAyoQ8

By ‘Nonkululeko Njilo and Velani Ludidi

I feel absolutely gorgeous’ – joy (and some weeping) over Ramaphosa’s victory

Cyril Ramaphosa’s victory in retaining his position as ANC president was greeted with great joy and excitement by his followers and deep sadness and some tears from those who vigorously campaigned against his re-election until the last minute.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WCbG2bgMBJU

https://twitter.com/LudidiVelani/status/1604851001051254784?t=m3musWW0iRsZK3nSQ9t4aw&s=08

Three things you need to know:

1. Ramaphosa gets another term as ANC president – and perhaps a second as country president

In a keenly watched contest for the role of ANC president, Ramaphosa has won a second term by an extended win of 579 votes against the reed-slim margin of 179 votes five years ago. It’s not a thunderbolt win, but it does give him the space to continue his reform drive.

At this point, the ANC’s majority win at the ballot in 2024 is tenuous, but Ramaphosa’s victory does give him a stonking chance at a second term as President.

2. Paul Mashatile played a deft hand

The other winner in the ANC electoral contest is 61-year-old Paul Mashatile, who becomes party deputy president. We think he will want to be the country’s deputy president as soon as possible. Watch this space in 2023.

3. 1100-odd votes that went splat – will there be a Cabinet reshuffle?

Mashatile may be in with a chance because the incumbent deputy president David Mabuza was roundly thrashed at the conference. It’s all eyes on what he will do.

Two other Cabinet ministers also now have careers scrambled like eggs. Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs Minister Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma came a cropper as her campaign fizzled and she conceded after saying she would contest a position from the floor.

She couldn’t secure the 1,100 votes needed for nomination. Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu was an isolated and marginal figure at the conference as she allied with various parallel stunts of the RET faction of the party.

Sisulu entered the presidential campaign as a woman who wanted to be president. She leaves it as someone who made serious miscalculations. We believe a Cabinet reshuffle in 2023 is imminent.

- Ferial Haffajee

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By Ed Stoddard

Rand, bonds gain briskly on news Ramaphosa won second term as ANC president

Call it ‘Ramaphoria lite’: financial markets have a tentative thumbs up to President Cyril Ramaphosa being elected to a second term as president of the ruling ANC. The post-holiday hangover looms.

President Cyril Ramaphosa congratulated by a delegate at the 55th National Conference on 19 December 2022. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

By Queenin Masuabi

Ramaphosa allies form slim majority in top seven while Mashatile, Mokonyane balance the numbers

Newly-elected ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has officially dismantled his detractors with officials from the Renew22 camp.

President Cyril Ramaphosa and newly-appointed deputy president Paul Mashatile embrace following the announcement of the top seven during the ANC's 55th national conference at Nasrec in Johannesburg, South Africa on 19 December 2022. (Photo: Leila Dougan)

These results will mean shake-ups in both Cabinet and elsewhere in Luthuli House. The position of current ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe now looks untenable, for instance, after he campaigned unsuccessfully for the Treasurer-General position under the Zweli Mkhize slate and vocally supported Mkhize in the race against Ramaphosa. - Rebecca Davis

The total number of voters and votes cast.

Total eligible voters: 4436
Total votes cast: 4386
Ballots counted: 4384

Two ballots were confiscated after delegates were caught taking pictures of their ballot papers.

It is a bad outcome indeed for the RET faction, and legal challenges are probably ahead. - Rebecca Davis

With the counting concluded, the Ramaphosa slate has emerged victorious in 5 out of 7 positions - leaving only RET’s Nomvula Mokonyane winning the Deputy Secretary General position, and Paul Mashatile - who refused to back either Ramaphosa or Zweli Mkhize formally - as deputy president. - Rebecca Davis

Huge win for Ramaphosa as his ally, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa becomes ANC treasurer. It’s a vexed job though as the party is always empty pockets these days. - Ferial Haffajee

Concluding an excellent set of results for the Ramaphosa camp, Gwen Ramakgopa takes the treasurer general position with 1809 votes. - Rebecca Davis

My big question? How soon before Paul Mashatile wants to be deputy president of the country? - Ferial Haffajee

The voting margins are tight tight tight, indicating the tough fights among the slates - Marianne Merten

And another win for CR slate as Maropene Ramakgopa takes the second deputy secretary general position with 2 373 votes. - Marianne Merten

Nomvula Mokonyane becomes the first deputy secretary-general of the ANC. She wins narrowly over Tina Joemat-Pettersson - Ferial Haffajee

https://twitter.com/Queenin_M/status/1604777493755531264

Marianne Merten The 44 votes that kept Gwede Mantashe as National Chairperson are crucial for Cyril Ramaphosa… A trusted alley. And Fikile Mbalula as SG with 102 votes over Stanley Mathabatha. First deputy SG went to Nomvula Mokonyane, with just 50 more than votes. - Marianne Merten

Transport Minister Fikile Mbalula will now have to resign his job as the position of ANC secretary-general is a full-time one. He has just won the position at the ANC’s elective conference. - Ferial Haffajee

https://twitter.com/Queenin_M/status/1604774289802133505

The failure of the campaigns of Justice Minister Ronald Lamola and of Finance Minister David Masondo shows the ANC is not ready for young leaders. - Ferial Haffajee

Gwede Mantashe stays as national chairperson with just over 40 votes. Mantashe received 2062 votes against Stanley Mathabatha's 2018. Perhaps the most crucial 44 votes for Ramaphosa. - Marianne Merten

https://twitter.com/Queenin_M/status/1604773069691682816

Paul Mashatile is elected as deputy president with 2178 votes. - Marianne Merten

Ramaphosa has increased his margin of victory by 400 votes compared with 2017 when he was first elected ANC President - Ferial Haffajee

Cyril Ramaphosa is re-elected as ANC president. He wins by 579 votes.

Votes cast are as follows:

Cyril Ramaphosa: 2 476

Zweli Mkhize: 1 897

The previous National Executive Committee (NEC) is resolved and members leave the stage.

As chairperson of the ANC elections committee, former president Kgalema Motlanthe has been a steady pair of hands in a difficult campaign. - Ferial Haffajee

https://twitter.com/Nkulee_Njilo/status/1604769170419220480

ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe addresses delegates. He says he is now handing over to the chairperson of the election committee to announce the results. Mantashe says he will also be handing over to the newly elected chairperson.

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Delegates are arriving slowly. ANC outgoing chairperson Gwede Mantashe will convene the plenary where results will be announced soon. The media has just been called to the plenary. - Ferial Haffajee

In a message to provincial secretaries, acting secretary general Paul Mashatile summoned delegates to the plenary. No word yet to the media about the election results. - Queenin Masuabi

https://twitter.com/Queenin_M/status/1604736773959127040

https://twitter.com/LudidiVelani/status/1604574767503155200

Three things you need to know near the end of Day Three:

1. Cyril Ramaphosa’s final running team

This is the team that President Cyril Ramaphosa went into the final voting round of the ANC conference with.

He ditched Justice and Constitutional Development Minister Ronald Lamola for the party’s Eastern Cape boss Oscar Mabuyane.

This is a blow for commitment to generational change in ANC leadership – in other words, for the oldies to give way to fresh blood. Northern Cape Premier Zamani Saul confirmed the final Ramaphosa team to Daily Maverick’s Queenin Masuabi.

Ramaphosa’s team believes he will be re-elected on a larger majority than in 2017 where he won by a razor-slim 179 votes.

2. What will deputy president David Mabuza do next?

A senior member of the Mpumalanga delegation confirmed to the Daily Maverick’s Velani Ludidi that the province is supporting Ramaphosa.

A vaunted nomination from the floor for Mabuza did not materialise on Day 2 of the ANC conference.

This leaves Mabuza at sea.

We are watching to see what he does: resign and return to his provincial stronghold to build back his base? Or stay on as deputy president of the country?

3. A question: no matter what happens, will we get the President we need as South Africans if Ramaphosa scores a second term as party president?

The President will be hemmed in by opposition factional interests on the party’s national executive committee, some of whom have really dodgy pasts. The answer depends on the margin of his support which will be clear by tomorrow morning.

https://youtu.be/HDbxTqMgtsw

By Chris Makhaye

On the road to Nasrec: See us, hear us, demand Khoisan leaders

As thousands of delegates were deliberating and going about their business, two Khoisan leaders staged a lonely protest on the road to the conference venue for several days.

Members of the Khoisan Liberation Movement stage a protest for the rights of the indigenous group outside the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg, 17 December 2022. (Photo: Leila Dougan)

By Ferial Haffajee

No Stage 6 at Nasrec: From a people’s congress to an animal farm

In earlier years, you could walk easily among delegates, getting to know them and hearing them and developing a sense of who the ANC is. We had exposure to great minds, which immeasurably improved the quality of my reporting. That started changing about 2007 at the ANC’s Polokwane conference as the battle lines hardened. The meetings became dominated by the ethos of the security state.

Police are keeping an eye on members of the MKMVA picketing outside the Nasrec expo centre where the ANC is having its national elective conference on 16 December 2022. (Photo: AP)

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https://twitter.com/ferialhaffajee/status/1604480435454713856

ANC national spokesperson Pule Mabe has come out in support of presidential candidate Dr Zweli Mkhize. He told a group of delegates: "We are all going to vote for Khabazela as our president. When we leave here, the ANC is going to have a newly elected president. That president is none other than Zweli Mkhize."

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MkWwgNlkQ-w

(Video: Supplied)

Looks like this on again, off-again love ? affair is off again. The race I have big eyes on is whether Paul Mashatile becomes ANC deputy president. If so, our political landscape shifts. - Ferial Haffajee

President Cyril Ramaphosa and Paul Mashatile during the nomination for NEC members at the 55th National Conference of the African National Congress (ANC) on Day 02 on December 17, 2022 in Johannesburg. (Photo: Gallo Images/Fani Mahuntsi)

By Chris Makhaye and Nonkululeko Njilo

Last minute horse trading with KwaZulu-Natal sees Limpopo delegates at odds over voting for Ramaphosa

One of the most dramatic twists of the 55th ANC national elective conference is the last-minute drama and confusion about which way the Limpopo delegation was going to vote in the leadership contests, especially around the party’s top job.

Delegates celebrate during the nomination process of the top seven at the ANC's 55th national conference at Nasrec in Johannesburg. Candidates were nominated for the top seven after credentials were adopted following lengthy debates in closed sessions on the second day of the conference. (Photo: Leila Dougan)

https://youtu.be/OyHjDYfMmUs

Who's voting for the Top Seven today?

Three things you need to know

It was a late night or early morning session as the ANC delegates to the Nasrec conference decided on voting for the Top Seven candidates

1. The ballot that delegates will be voting on is now final.

Lobbyists for both presidential contenders ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa and former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize claim their candidate is in pole position.

Ramaphosa received almost double the branch nominations that Mkhize did, but the doctor’s lobbyists say his supporters disguised their intentions so as to get to the conference.

Note the competition between Nomvula Mama Action Mokonyane and Tina ‘Atomic Tina’ Joemat-Pettersson for the position of deputy secretary-general.

The former energy minister earned the moniker ‘Atomic Tina’ when she pushed hard to get former President Jacob Zuma’s nuclear deal through at the height of state capture.

Read: Ramaphosa and Mkhize in ‘neck-and-neck battle’ for ANC’s top job – NEC insider

2. Some careers flamed out spectacularly overnight.

Minister of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma declined a nomination from the floor ending her bid to become ANC and country President.

Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu’s campaign never properly started, and she’s taken a political splattering too.

Dlamini-Zuma is facing disciplinary action for voting against the party line at Parliament this week in relation to the Phala Phala report.

Read: Leadership nominations finalised after delays and horse-trading amid plentiful slate permutations

3. Deputy President David Mabuza is out in the ANC cold.

This is the humdinger.

The ANC deputy president who went into the 2017 conference as the kingmaker failed in a last-ditch rumoured bid to even make a nomination from the floor.

Will he stay as South Africa’s deputy president or return to Mpumalanga to rebuild his base? That’s a big question.

Read: DD ‘Destiny Denied’ Mabuza — it is cold outside the ANC factions’ warm embrace

- Ferial Haffajee

How will voting work? Watch here:

https://youtu.be/G5eGIBxNOeg?t=50

On Day Three of the conference voting for the Top Seven is underway. Here's what you missed on Day Two:

After an extended delay into Day Two, the conference finally adopted official credentials. This is essentially a register of all the delegates in attendance and is important because it determines who is allowed to vote.

Deputy president David Mabuza delivered a scathing organisational report about the state of the party. It revealed how, among other things, former president Jacob Zuma’s ongoing corruption case in KZN continues to, “reverberate in the corridors of the ANC”. Read more about it here.

During a session on constitutional amendments, the party voted to create a new position for a second deputy secretary general. The position of deputy secretary general is now effectively split into two: the first will deal with politics, the second with administration.

The ANC therefore now has a Top Seven leadership.

Nominations for the Top Seven were finalised — in an open session that went into the dead of the night — so that voting could start Sunday morning at 09:00.

By Queenin Masuabi

Mokonyane’s supporters unhappy with ‘late’ Joemat Pettersson challenge, vote for ANC leaders expected this morning

The squabble over nominations came in when Elexions Agency director general Bontle Mpakanyane recognised a delegate from the Northern Cape but only allowed them to make a nomination after mentioning that the process is closed.

ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe, treasurer-general Paul Mashatile and President Cyril Ramaphosa during the nomination process at the ANC's 55th national conference at Nasrec in Johannesburg, (Photo: Leila Dougan)

By Marianne Merten

Leadership nominations finalised after delays and horse-trading amid plentiful slate permutations

Almost 48 hours behind schedule and after much caucusing, cajoling and horse-trading, the incoming ANC top officials were finally officially nominated early on Sunday. Voting was scheduled from 9am on Sunday morning.

Delegates during nominations of the top seven at Nasrec expo at the 55th National Conference on 18 December 2022.Photo:Felix Dlangamandla/Daily Maverick

Nominations for the ANC’s top leadership positions are as follows:

For president: Cyril Ramaphosa and Zweli Mkhize
For deputy president: Ronald Lamola, Oscar Mabuyane and Paul Mashatile
For chairperson: Stanley Mathabatha, Gwede Mantashe and David Masondo
For secretary general: Mdumiseni Ntuli, Phumulo Masualle, Fikile Mbalula
For first deputy secretary general: Nomvula Mokonyane and Tina Joemat-Pettersson
For second deputy secretary general: Maropene Ramokgopa and Ronalda Nalomanga
For treasurer general: Bejani Chauke, Pule Mabe, Mwandile Masina and Gwen Ramakgopa

Voting starts at 09:00 on Sunday.

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Cyril Ramaphosa and Zweli Mkhize are on the ballot. Now a nomination for #NDZ has come from the floor. She has to decided to decline the nomination. - Queenin Masuabi

Nonkululeko Njilo By Nonkululeke Njilo

ANC’s Integrity Commission to summon 97 leaders named in Zondo State Capture report

The ANC’s ethical watchdog says it plans to engage with the 97 members named in the Zondo Commission report on State Capture who might have a case to answer.

“Do not be misled by the numbers [from the branch nominations],” Dakota Legoete, an ANC National Executive Committee member and deputy head of organising in the ANC," told Daily Maverick's Chris Makhaye.

“Lobbyists are meeting behind the scenes. In the conference, ANC members are allowed to lobby each other and agree on certain candidates. This thing [leadership contest] is not over until the proverbial fat lady sings.”

By Chris Makhaye

Ramaphosa and Mkhize in ‘neck-and-neck battle’ for ANC’s top job – NEC insider

The contest for the ANC’s top job between President Cyril Ramaphosa and former health minister Zweli Mkhize will be ‘neck and neck’, says Dakota Legoete, an ANC National Executive Committee member and deputy head of organising in the ANC.

Queenin Masuabi The conference is currently in a closed session discussing amendments to the party's constitution. The discussions will include a debate about whether a second deputy secretary general should be appointed. Once this is done, the media will be called in for Top Six nominations. - Queenin Masuabi

https://twitter.com/Queenin_M/status/1604206061057089537

What's on the agenda for Day Two?

The conference credentials are scheduled to be adopted.
ANC deputy president David Mabuza will table the organisational report, as the acting secretary general, Paul Mashatile, who is also treasurer general, will deliver the financial report.
The conference is also expected to receive feedback from the Integrity Commission chair George Mashamba.
Any additional nominations for the party's Top Six leadership positions will be accepted from the conference floor, before voting will begin.
A candidate has to have the support of 25% of delegates present to receive a nomination from the floor.
According to the official conference agenda, voting for the party's Top Six leaders will begin on Saturday.

By Malibongwe Tyilo

Satirically Speaking: The South Africa Show – ANC Conference Xmas Special, a masterclass in cinematography with director Pule Mabe

Ahead of the screening of the second episode of The South Africa Show: ANC Conference Xmas special, the film’s co-director and occasional Barbara Streisand, Pule Mabe, sat down with members of the media to share his insights on the power of collaborative filmmaking, the camera lens, and how well-directed cinematography has the power to shape a narrative.

ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe addresses the media on the first day of the ANC conference, 16 December 2022 at Nasrec in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo: Leila Dougan)

https://www.dailymaverick.co.za/article/2022-12-17-the-55th-anc-conference-in-pictures-day-two/

https://youtu.be/qgQshCSHguQ

By Queenin Masuabi

Provincial leadership lashes Ramaphosa heckling by defiant ANC KwaZulu-Natal delegates

The behaviour of a group of ANC KwaZulu-Natal delegates who heckled party president Cyril Ramaphosa on Friday has been condemned by the provincial leaders of the organisation.

Delegates at the party's 55th National Conference on 16 December. (Photo: Leila Dougan/Daily Maverick)

The credentials report is being presented by Senzo Mchunu. This document shows exactly how many delegates will be voting and which provinces they are from. It will be debated in plenary and once it’s adopted, nominations will go ahead. - Queenin Masuabi

https://twitter.com/LudidiVelani/status/1604182474145386496

By Rebecca Davis

Zuma’s attempt to privately prosecute Ramaphosa is nonsense, say experts

The ANC’s RET faction has delivered what it seems to consider its killer blow: a notification from former president Jacob Zuma that he will privately prosecute President Cyril Ramaphosa. The response from legal experts? This is ludicrously invalid.

anc heckling — Siboniso Duma and former president Jacob Zuma chat at Nasrec on 16 December 2022. (Photo:Felix Dlangamandla / Daily Maverick)

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Three things you need to know about the second day of conference:

1. No Stage 6 at Nasrec ANC conference venue as it is exempted from rolling blackouts

The SAPS received an exemption from rolling blackouts from Johannesburg’s electricity utility City Power so that the ANC conference will not experience the Stage 6 power cuts roiling the country. Earlier this week, Johannesburg mayor Mpho Phalatse requested an exemption from Eskom because floods had turned the city into a disaster zone. Included among some areas exempted was the ANC conference venue at Nasrec, south of Johannesburg. “The exclusion is to assist security operations in the area due to the presence of high security-risk persons such as the president of the country, deputy president and the government ministers,” said City Power spokesperson Isaac Mangena in a statement. Mangena said the city often exempted big events.

Marianne Merten’s Reporter's Notebook is a must-read.

2. Nothing happens on Day 2 of ANC conference – at least, nothing of consequence

Thanks to registration and accreditation system issues, nothing much happened on the second day of the ANC conference. The party’s deputy president David Mabuza said in his organisational report that the party is in an existential crisis. But hey, we knew that already. Lobbyists for both President Cyril Ramaphosa and his chief contender, former health minister Zweli Mkhize, claim they will win. Voting gets underway later tonight with first results (maybe, just maybe) expected on Sunday, 18 December. The registration and accreditation systems are highly contested because they determine who gets to vote.

Here's Queenin Masuabi on the State of the Race, with news about a sneaky new voting system.

3. We fact-check RET faction claims that the ANC elections agency is conflicted. We find it’s not true.

Instead, it could be a gambit by the RET faction of the party to place pegs in the ground, should it need to dispute the election outcome.

Rebecca Davis did the fact-check.

Please keep an eye out for our Daily Briefing from the conference. In this first episode, Daily Maverick’s Queenin Masuabi gives you a breakdown of the first day. Let us know what you would like to hear about.

- Ferial Haffajee

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By Nonkululeko Njilo

Duarte’s death, Magashule’s suspension and Zuma’s corruption case a testing time for the ANC — internal report

The ANC’s organisational report presented by incumbent party deputy president David Mabuza, at a closed session at the ANC’s 55th national conference on Saturday, has revealed the extent to which the challenges confronting the Secretary-General’s Office have placed it under significant strain in supporting the top five officials and the entire organisation.

ace magashule — Suspended ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule. (Photo: Gallo Images / Volksblad / Mlungisi Louw)

By Queenin Masuabi

Change in the ANC’s Top Six voting system sets the cat among the pigeons

As the party’s national elective conference gets into gear, a new method of choosing the Top Six opens the way for losing candidates to have a second crack at high office – and there’s certainly no shortage of contenders.

https://twitter.com/Queenin_M/status/1604130630140190720

Read: Cash-strapped ANC considers selling off assets to pay off R500m in arrears

https://twitter.com/Queenin_M/status/1604128464113745920

https://twitter.com/Queenin_M/status/1604121027029929984

Marianne Merten That registration of delegates was a nightmare emerged on Day 1 of the ANC 2022 elective conference, the start of which was delayed to post lunch, but then 2pm became 4pm. Those tags are crucial to show the legitimate right to attend, and they allow access to plenary, commission and elsewhere. - Marianne Merten

By Ray Mahlaka

Godongwana refuses to budge on the 10% pay rise demand by public sector trade unions

Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana believes that pay rise negotiations for 2022 are done and dusted because he recently implemented a 3% increase for public servants. Trade unions representing public servants see it differently. The unions have argued that negotiations are still ongoing because they have rejected the government’s 3% increase.

Delegates on the second day at the Nasrec expo centre which is the venue for the ANC elective conference on 17 December 2022.Photo:Felix Dlangamandla/Daily Maverick

By Marianne Merten

Reporter’s Notebook: Corralled media, accreditation messiness – the not-the-ANC conference

With journalists corralled behind fences, watched by police and ANC marshals, the sellers of party regalia and food hawkers who traditionally gather at governing party elective indabas are kept even further away – way past the Nasrec entrance at the intersection with the Nyala, razor wire and security troops.

A general view of ANC delegates on the second day the party's 55th national conference at Nasrec in Johannesburg, South Africa on 17 December 2022. (Photo: Leila Dougan)

By Chris Makhaye

Gauteng ANC defends Premier Lesufi saying party leaders who have run out of ideas must quit

The Gauteng African National Congress (ANC) has defended utterances made by its leader and Premier Panyaza Lesufi on the eve of the 55th national conference.

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi. (Photo: Gallo Images / Luba Lesolle)

Paul Mashatile is presenting the treasury/financial report. Delegates have not been given a physical copy of the report yet. - Velani Ludidi

City Power through a NatJoints request has excluded Nasrec from load shedding. - Ferial Haffajee

https://twitter.com/Nkulee_Njilo/status/1604065598295506945

The ANC is now going to discuss its financial report. This is important because the party’s coffers have run dry throughout 2022. It has faced multiple staff strikes and had to settle SARS and UIF bills. - Ferial Haffajee

By Rebecca Davis

ANC electoral committee rejects RET’s EleXions Agency conflict of interest charge

With their backs to the wall, the ANC’s Radical Economic Transformation faction is trying last-ditch desperate gambits. Primary among them: The claim that the independent body which administers the ANC’s internal elections is biased towards President Cyril Ramaphosa.

anc elexions conflict — Carl Niehaus (left) and suspended ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule (centre). (Photo: Shiraaz Mohamed)

Pule Mabe says Nasrec has alternative power generation and therefore did not experience load shedding. It did not apply for an exemption. When there’s no electricity in Johannesburg, there’s no electricity at Luthuli House. - Ferial Haffajee

Mabe addresses the question of whether there will be enough time to get through the entire conference agenda, given that the conference is already running behind schedule.

"We are working around the clock to ensure conference is proceeding as planned...

"We’ll use today to deal with all reports and the nominations of officials and possibly the voting for officials as well.”

Mabe says everything is running according to plan.

https://twitter.com/LudidiVelani/status/1604056428267831297

ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe says the conference is underway. Deputy president David Mabuza is currently delivering the organisational report in a closed session. After the report is accepted, ANC Treasurer General Paul Mashatile will delivering the financial report.

Mashatile is expected to deliver the party's financial report today. The draft financial report was delivered to the NEC at the weekend and indicated the dire state of the governing party’s finances, as reported by Queenin Masuabi here:

Cash-strapped ANC considers selling off assets to pay off R500m in arrears

Paul Mashatile addressing a media briefing at the ANC National Policy Conference held at Nasrec on 30 July 2022. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

Day Two is off to a slow start. A media briefing is expected to start in the next few minutes.

By Chris Makhaye

Opposing protests on the periphery of the ANC’s 55th National Conference set the tone for a bruising contest

There is no more telltale sign that the ANC National Conference is deeply divided than the opposing protests on the corners of Nasrec and Rand Show Roads on Friday, on day one.

Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu about to address a group of MKMVA members gathered outside the NASREC expo centre which is the venue for the ANC elective conference on 16 December 2022. Photo:Felix Dlangamandla/Daily Maverick

The 55th ANC Conference in pictures – Day One

A general view of delegates at the party's 55th national conference at Nasrec in Johannesburg, South Africa on 16 December 2022. (Photo: Leila Dougan)

Here's a recap of what happened on Day One:

The conference kicked off on Friday with an open plenary session with interdenominational prayers and the national anthem.
After the start of the day's proceedings were delayed by 7 hours, there was just enough time for ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa to deliver the political report, which he ended with a call for purpose, fortitude and self-belief from party members.
The remaining agenda items were postponed to Saturday.
Former president Jacob Zuma entered the plenary as Ramaphosa started to deliver the report, leading his already rowdy supporters to disrupt the president's address.
On Saturday, ANC deputy president David Mabuza will table the organisational report, as the acting secretary general, Paul Mashatile, who is also the treasurer general, will deliver the financial report.
Voting for the party's top six leaders will also take place on Saturday.

By Marianne Merten

Ramaphosa’s sharp State Capture comments in an otherwise flat speech – as conference survives to fight another day

Aside from hard points on State Capture and ANC division, polite applause was pretty much all that President Ramaphosa got, on delivery of his political report. The ‘polite’ response from delegates after earlier disruptive chants. Signalling a tough weekend ahead.

President Cyril Ramaphosa on day one of the ANC's 55th National Conference at Nasrec in Johannesburg. (Photo: Leila Dougan/Daily Maverick)

By Malibongwe Tyilo

Satirically Speaking: The South Africa Show’s Xmas Special – ANC Conference voted best soundtrack ever!

Today is a day of rejoicing, for song has returned in full surround sound to the fictional nation portrayed in The South Africa Show.

Delegates sing while president Cyril Ramaphosa delivers his address at Nasrec during the ANC elective conference. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla/Daily Maverick)

By Velani Ludidi

ANC conference off to a shaky start — long delays, grandstanding and anti-Ramaphosa chants

As expected, the ANC’s 55th National Conference in Nasrec, Johannesburg, started late. It was met with pickets outside and drama inside.

MKMVA members and expelled Carl Niehaus gathered outside the Nasrec Expo Centre for the ANC elective conference on 16 December. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla/Daily Maverick)

https://twitter.com/Nkulee_Njilo/status/1603799819847405568

Can Somebody Help Her With The Cap Lock? - Ferial Haffajee

https://twitter.com/dzumasambudla/status/1603766450073833476?s=12&t=CUCEp4Gf_E_anQ-aOGmbqA

https://twitter.com/Queenin_M/status/1603791255409926144

Ramaphosa on state capture: "Guided by one of the resolutions of our last conference, we set up the Commission of Inquiry on State Capture. The Commission has produced a detailed and deeply disturbing account of the nature, extent and mechanics of state capture.

"From the deliberations and resolutions of this conference, we must ensure that we use the work of the State Capture Commission to consolidate and intensify the efforts against state capture, and ensure that those responsible – wherever they may be located – face the full might of the law. We know that there will be resistance; but this must strengthen our resolve so we can protect and advance the gains of our revolution."

Ramaphosa on crime: "We have done much to restore the capabilities and credibility of the National Prosecuting Authority, the South African Police Service, the Hawks and the State Security Agency. We are recruiting significant numbers of new police personnel, strengthening the Public Order Policing Unit and working to re-vitalise community policing forums.

"We will not allow gangs and extortionists to damage our public infrastructure or extort money from businesses."

https://twitter.com/Nkulee_Njilo/status/1603776331468050432

https://twitter.com/ferialhaffajee/status/1603775762754162689

Ramaphosa addresses load shedding: "To date, nearly R3 billion has been recovered by Eskom alone and a further R5 billion is being claimed in various court processes. The process to restructure Eskom into three separate state-owned entities responsible for generation, transmission and distribution is at an advanced stage, creating the conditions for greater financial and operational efficiency.

"We have started with interventions to purchase emergency power."

https://twitter.com/Nkulee_Njilo/status/1603771308801769473

By Rebecca Davis

How did Tony Yengeni’s criminal record get expunged? Legal experts dispute validity

ANC NEC member Tony Yengeni successfully appealed against his disqualification from election at the ANC’s leadership conference on the basis that his old criminal record had been expunged. But advocacy group Freedom Under Law says that this is legally impossible.

ANC MP Tony Yengeni. (Photo: Gallo Images / Foto24 / Lulama Zenzile)

The President’s been speaking for an hour with short disruptions. It’s rigmarole. And he hasn’t said a word about biting power cuts yet. - Ferial Haffajee

https://twitter.com/Nkulee_Njilo/status/1603767492836474887

https://twitter.com/LudidiVelani/status/1603765074543497216

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Ramaphosa is finally able to deliver his address after Mantashe threatened that security take the rabble-rousers out of the room.

https://twitter.com/Queenin_M/status/1603760934492725250

https://twitter.com/ferialhaffajee/status/1603761253477978112

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Ramaphosa is now delivering his political report. As he started speaking, Jacob Zuma entered the plenary, igniting several minutes of cheering for the former president.

https://twitter.com/Queenin_M/status/1603756677022744576

ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa and ANC deputy president David Mabuza on stage at the ANC conference opening plenary session. (Photo: Nokululeko Njilo)

Secretary-General Gwede Mantashe on the first day of the ANC conference, 16 December 2022 at Nasrec in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo: Leila Dougan)

ANC deputy president David Mabuza and ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa at the ANC National Elective Conference, waiting to join the opening plenary session.

https://twitter.com/athigeleba/status/1603739954164670464?s=12&t=TIoa4nj9dxZ9arLpvEHv6Q

Stephen Grootes

NEC’s decision to quash Phala Phala panel report proves the ANC is (still) the only game in town

The ANC’s supremacy allows the party to retain all of the power without giving up any to other parties. And it means that any decisions about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s future will come only from within the ANC.

Dec 15, 2022. ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa at the party's gala dinner at Nasrec. (Photo: Supplied)

By Marianne Merten

Phala Phala, Parliament, Eskom: Ruling party is closing ranks again, playing ANC vs Everyone Else

ANC elective years are, by the governing party’s own admission, disruptive – even outside party ranks. Amid chatter of slates, deals and cash for votes, few in government are prepared to stick out their heads and take firm decisions on South Africa’s governance and political economy.

By Ferial Haffajee

As Stage 6 hits, Pravin Gordhan could be next through the swing doors

The Presidency fears the electricity crisis is part of a destabilisation plan ahead of the ANC’s elective conference.

Pravin Gordhan, minister of public enterprises. (Photos: Waldo Swiegers/Bloomberg via Getty Images; EPA/KIM LUDBROOK)

The ANC is expecting 6,700 delegates from across the country to attend the conference. All the delegates have to be registered and shepherded into the Nasrec conference centre where the gathering is taking place.

Expelled ANC member Carl Niehaus has been spotted outside the Nasrec conference centre. Niehaus was recently expelled from the party after being charged with six counts of misconduct and “foreign” ANC behaviour. The charges stemmed from public remarks he made during and after the arrest of former president Jacob Zuma last year for contempt of court for refusing to appear at the Zondo commission of inquiry. (Photo: Felix Dlangamandla)

‘I am still an ANC member’, says perennial troublemaker Carl Niehaus after party gives him the boot

Presidency spokesperson says South Africa facing an “all out war” well beyond political contestation. - Ferial Haffajee

https://twitter.com/spokespersonrsa/status/1603521562627407877?s=12&t=VWFryrD0yLDIw7c3XKFKug

The plenary centre where delegates will gather for the ANC National Elective Conference stands empty. (Photo: Marianne Merten)

ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe confirms that the start of the conference has been delayed to 14:00 due to issues with delegate registrations. "I'm told they are struggling at the registration centre,” Mantashe says. - Marianne Merten

https://twitter.com/dlaminizuma/status/1603645507179630593?s=48&t=qDXp5hpMzT1-sHL7HtbK7g

SABC’s Samkele Maseko reporting that suspended ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule is trying to broker a peace deal between Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma and former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize. Dlamini-Zuma is still planning a run for the ANC Presidency from the floor. She will need the support of 25% of voting delegates to get across the threshold. - Ferial Haffajee

By Queenin Masuabi

ANC membership numbers drop from 1.4 million to 600,000

The run-up to the ANC National Conference has seen candidates conduct last-minute campaigning to convince branches to vote them into leadership positions. During his address in Soweto to a small group of ANC members, National Executive Committee member and presidential hopeful Zweli Mkhize spoke on a number of issues facing the party and the country.

ANC delegates outside Nasrec during the 54th ANC conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo: Waldo Swiegers / Bloomberg via Getty Images)

By Nonkululeko Njilo

Disgruntled ANC members lose legal bid to annul list of NEC nominations

Party members who failed to make the cut cited flawed internal processes and a lack of transparency that had prejudiced them.

gigaba — Former Cabinet minister Malusi Gigaba. (Photo: Gallo Images / The Times / Lauren Mulligan)

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Politics

Daily Maverick is reporting live from the ANC National Elective Conference, held at Nasrec in Johannesburg.

Who's voting for the Top Seven today?

How will voting work? Watch here:

On Day Three of the conference voting for the Top Seven is underway. Here's what you missed on Day Two:

What's on the agenda for Day Two?

Here's a recap of what happened on Day One: