NTSIEPE MASOETSA

The Constitutional Court will today hear the merits of an application to set aside Free State ANC’s provincial conference held at Parys in June. The court decided to hear the application last week. Free State ANC has already filed affidavits in defence of the validity of the conference.

Six disgruntled ANC members in the province challenge the leadership of current chairperson Ace Magashule. They argue that proper procedures were not followed. The matter was previously dismissed by the high court on technicalities. The disgruntled members want the elective conference to be set aside and an interim provincial committee be appointed.

One of the six applicants Mpho Ramakatsa said they are prepared for the case today. He added that they will finally get a chance to fight for the soul of the ANC.

Provincial ANC spokesperson Oupa Khoabane said they would abide by the decision of the court. He expressed confidence that the court will rule in their favour.

Ramakatsa said even though court papers cite six applicants they have a lot of support among ANC members in the Free State. He said about five thousand people have signed the petition in support of their application.