ANC Joburg leadership vote: Lesufi against buying, abusing delegates

African National Congress (ANC) Gauteng co-convenor Panyaza Lesufi has urged party members in Johannesburg to refrain from using patronage or money to sway the results of the internal leadership elections.

Party delegates are expected to elect a new leadership structure on Thursday afternoon, which will steer the organisation in the city for the next three years.

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Addressing delegates atthe conference on Wednesday night, Lesufi appealed to members to conduct the contest fairly.

Presenting his diagnostic report to delegates at the ANC’s regional elective conference, Lesufi emphasised the public’s declining trust in the party is fuelled by corruption, leaders flaunting their wealth in front of impoverished communities, and sheer incompetence.

As branches prepare to choose new leaders for Johannesburg, Lesufi warned that using money to influence the outcome of the internal election could have devastating consequences for the organisation’s future.

“All members of the ANC must vote for who must lead because no one is going to buy or abuse delegates and no one will take advantage of our delegates.”

He’s urged ANC members in Johannesburg to think about the party’s future as they prepare to vote for new leaders.

“We are inside a ship and it’s sinking at a faster rate. Instead of all of us collectively deterring how to save this ship, we are squabbling amongst ourselves about who the owner of this ship is. You can be the owner, but as long as it’s in the belly of the sea, it’s meaningless.”

Voting at the ANC regional conference is expected to start at around 4pm.