Whilst addressing party members at the Bloemfontein lodge where the party is set to elect its new party Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), he said the ANC’s activists must understand the balance of forces.

The conference experienced delays and interruptions due to disgruntled party members.

Current Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) convenor, Mxolisi Dukwana, will contest the position of chairperson with premier Sisi Ntombela, former Mangaung Mayor, Thabo Manyoni, Education MEC Tate Makgoe and former Maluti A-Phofung mayor Vusi Tshabalala.

On Friday a chaotic scene broke out between police and party members – which led to the arrest of at least 3 delegates. It is, however, understood that they have since been released.

With all credentials having been adopted, this means that the party can now elect its new top 5 structure including chairperson and secretary, amongst others.

"Commissars of the ANC have a duty to educate the membership of the ANC, and equip them with a clear understanding of their constitutional responsibilities. Delegates must abandon rigid thinking and vote across factional lines. Elect a leadership that will revitalise the Free State whether they belong to a faction you like or not. Elect leaders that will strengthen the ANC to serve the people," Mantashe added.

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