By JN Reporter

The ANC in Mangaung is preparing to seek yet another waiver from the party’s national leadership after its long-awaited regional elective conference dramatically collapsed at the eleventh hour on Saturday.

Marred by delays and credential disputes, the conference was nullified just hours before the announcement of new leadership, forcing national deployee Thandi Moraka to abandon proceedings at the Bloem Spa Hotel in Bloemfontein and leaving the region without elected leadership once again.

Journal News has reliably learned that the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) has launched a fresh bid to reconvene the regional conference as early as next week.

According to a PEC member who attended Monday’s meeting, a call has been made to Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, seeking approval to reconvene the conference within the next seven days.

“I can confirm that the PEC is now awaiting the green light from the SG, and once that happens, it will be all systems go,” said the PEC member, who requested anonymity as he is not authorised to speak to the media.

“The concern is that the party in the region cannot afford to head into the local government elections under the leadership of a task team, although some members within the regional task team are contesting that decision,” the source said.

Moraka nullified the regional conference after her team uncovered credential irregularities after the voting process had concluded.

Amongst the concerns were allegations that about eight additional ballot papers were inserted into the ballot box by unknown individuals after voting had ended on Saturday morning.

Attempts to reach provincial spokesperson, Thabo Meeko, were unsuccessful.