Several ANC members in Nelson Mandela Bay have criticised the provincial executive committee for failing to establish a task team after the previous structure’s term ended on December 16.
They say no provision in the ANC constitution allows for a structure whose term of office has lapsed to continue operating.
The members, who did not want to be named, said the PEC had violated the organisation’s constitution by allowing a group of former regional leaders to act as though they were in office.
“Ask [PEC spokesperson Loyiso] Magqashela to show you the ANC constitution which says an expired structure must automatically continue working until the PEC appoints an RTT [regional task team],” one member said.
“You will find no such thing because it doesn’t exist.
“The PEC was supposed to convert the erstwhile structure into a task team but that has not happened and that means there’s no leadership.”
Another said those who occupied offices at the party’s regional headquarters were masquerading as leaders.
“But who are they leading and under whose instruction?” he asked.
“I’ve spoken to one of them and they know exactly what I’m talking about, but it’s the PEC’s fault.
“The PEC failed to provide proper guidance regarding the matter ahead of time.
“This will widen factions as we head to the regional conference because even those who think they are leaders now have their interests that need to be served going to our elective conference in March.
“Them remaining in office because of the PEC’s failures will be favouring a cohort in the province and that’s not good.”
A third member said he did not understand why the PEC delayed the appointment of an RTT.
“It doesn’t matter even if they appoint the same people into the RTT, but as long as there is no declaration of such an appointment having been made, it means the ANC has one less region in this province because branches don’t lead themselves.”
The outgoing PEC was elected on December 17 2021.
According to the ANC’s rules, regions should convene conferences every three years.
Magqashela said an RTT would be appointed at the first PEC meeting in January.
A date has not been set.
Magqashela could not be reached later to respond to questions regarding on what grounds the leaders remained in office.
Outgoing regional chair Babalwa Lobishe and deputy Siphiwo Tshaka could not be reached by the time of publication.
HeraldLIVE
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