N Cape ANC has moved forward: Block
2012-06-08 14:42
Upington - The ANC in the Northern Cape has moved away from the embarrassing past that marred its previous elective conference, said provincial chairperson John Block.
"That conference was characterised by violence, chaos, ill-discipline and complete disregard for the dignity of the ANC," he said, delivering his political report on Thursday night.
Some 800 delegates have gathered for the Northern Cape's 2012 elective conference in Upington.
Block said the party had convened the majority of its branches in the run-up to the conference under normal conditions, free of violence and disruptions.
Unity
"We are meeting here under no threat of violence, intimidation, or under the threat of court interdicts. The unity of our movement is non-negotiable, finish and klaar."
He said the party had reaffirmed the right of members to contest leadership positions without labelling them as "enemies", and without such contest destroying the unity of the ANC in the province.
"It's their right to be members of the movement, and it's your right to give or deny them the privilege to lead," he told delegates.
On Friday, delegates were voting for two contested posts in the provincial ANC's top five leadership positions.
One was for chairperson of the party, a contest between Block and Godfrey Oliphant. The other was for provincial secretary, between current holder Zamani Saul and challenger Archie Lucas.
Block, the MEC for finance in the province, is currently facing charges of fraud, corruption and racketeering related to the sale of water purification plants.
The conference ends on Sunday.
- SAPA
