The much-anticipated Thabo Mofutsanyana regional conference hangs in the balance as disputes cast uncertainty over the already scheduled gathering. The conference, expected to get underway today amid heightened political tension, faces the risk of delays or possible postponement as internal challenges from several branches remain unresolved.
These disputes have raised concerns about compliance with party guidelines and the legitimacy of the conference, with insiders warning that failure to address them could open the door to further divisions and potential legal challenges.
The conference follows ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula granting a waiver to the Thabo Mofutsanyana, Fezile Dabi, Lejweleputswa and Mangaung regions to proceed with their regional conferences.
In a letter dated 30 March 2026, Mbalula said the decision for Free State regions to proceed had been taken by the National Working Committee (NWC), “subject to strict compliance” with ANC guidelines and rules.
However, with members preparing to elect their leaders — and former Regional Chairperson and current convenor Thabo Mokoena tipped to secure a second term unopposed — Provincial party spokesperson Thabo Meeko told Journal News the meeting will only be confirmed on Saturday, following a Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) sitting. “I can only tell you that the PEC is sitting on Saturday, and whether or not the Thabo Mofutsanyana regional conference is sitting, I cannot respond to rumours. That will be confirmed on Saturday,” said Meeko, casting doubt on the gathering proceeding today without PEC approval.
Journal News has reliably learnt that 13 branches have lodged disputes ahead of the conference, raising the risk of delays to the start of proceedings. It is alleged that the region only qualified to convene at the last minute, having initially failed to meet the required 70% threshold by the end of last month. “I can tell you that 13 disputes have been lodged and are expected to be dealt with before the conference starts. That puts everything — the whole conference — at risk.
It lays a foundation for litigation and raises questions about the authenticity of the conference itself,” said another insider. Attempts to obtain comment from ANC regional spokesperson Vusi Khumalo were unsuccessful, as he had not responded to questions sent via WhatsApp at the time of publication. With no challengers emerging, Mokoena’s re-election appears all but certain, reinforcing his grip on the region’s leadership at a critical time for the party.
The uncontested race suggests growing confidence in Mokoena’s leadership, with branches rallying behind him despite ongoing organisational challenges. His anticipated return to office in the Free State’s largest region by membership is expected to provide continuity as the ANC navigates renewal efforts, service delivery pressures, and preparations for future electoral contests.
According to insiders within the regional leadership, this outcome is likely despite the disputes lodged by some branches. “I can confirm that both Comrade Chair Mokoena and his former secretary and current coordinator, Mojalefa Mohapi, will be re-elected unopposed. No challenger has thrown their name in the hat or been nominated to contest their positions,” said one insider.
The outcome of the conference will not only cement Mokoena’s leadership but also test the ANC’s ability to manage internal disputes while maintaining organisational stability. How the party resolves the outstanding branch challenges is likely to shape perceptions of the conference’s legitimacy and could have lasting implications for unity in the region.
