THE ANC Eastern Cape elective conference is finally underway at the East London International Convention Centre, after getting the green light from Luthuli House.
By mid-morning, delegates were already making their way into plenary hall while some were still holding last-minute caucuses.
ANC national executive committee deployee Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told journalists that even though outstanding disputes were still being handled, the conference was going ahead after treasurer general Paul Mashatile signed off the verification certificate.
“No conference of the ANC can take place if the secretary general signs off the verification certificate,” said Motsoaledi.
Provincial coordinator Lulama Ngcukayitobi said some branches would be quarantined and the verification would be updated later on. He said 614 branches were currently participating, and the deadline for disputes was Friday at midnight.
Motsoaledi said quarantined branches would be allowed to vote, but their votes would be set aside. Then after the counting, it would be determined if their votes would have affected the outcome.
Delegates were pouring into the plenary under tight security, with police presence outside.
Inside, delegates were being warned not to sing divisive but revolutionary songs that would unite them.
National chairman and Minerals and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe will open the conference and after his speech, it will deal with credentials to determine voting delegates.
Premier Oscar Mabuyane will go head-to-head with former treasurer Babalo Madikizela for the provincial chairmanship.
