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Thousands of ANC delegates from various provinces have descended on Nasrec in Johannesburg for the party’s 55th national conference.
The conference is held every five years and is where party members elect new leadership and discuss organisational and policy matters.
Some 6 000 participants including party members, MPs, ministers, mayors, and diplomats are expected to attend.
The conference will determine the government’s policies on the economy, social grants, education, health care, and energy to name but a few.
However, the battle for the leadership of the governing party is expected to dominate.
President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to open the conference on Friday with his political report.
The adoption of credentials, which has led to several court cases in the past, is set to start after lunch.
A heated debate is expected to follow as the Phala Phala scandal enters the fray.
Although Ramaphosa, for now, has survived removal attempts following a parliamentary report into Phala Phala - the ANC’s integrity commission is expected to table its report on the matter.
The final item on the agenda for Friday, and which one could argue is the most important – is finalising the nominations list for the ANC’s top 6.
Delegates will be able to raise candidates from the floor – who then needs the support of 25% of the voting delegates.
Speaking at the Progressive Business Forum gala dinner on Thursday evening, Ramaphosa said the conference was a watershed moment for the ANC and South Africa at large.
Ramaphosa said the conference would test the party on its commitment to renewal and economic transformation.
- Jacaranda FM
