Her statement comes after losing to her counterpart, Cogta MEC Mxolisi Dukwana, who recently served as the ANC Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) convenor and was elected the provincial chairperson of the African National Congress. OFM News previously reported that Dukwana’s faction won by a clean sweep at the 9th ANC Free State provincial conference at Imvelo Safari Lodge, outside Mangaung. More than 900 delegates, of which 650 were voting delegates, attended the three-day gathering.

Despite losing to her counterpart, Ntombela pledged her support for the newly elected chairperson and the entire leadership of the ANC in the province.

“Allow me to take this opportunity to congratulate Comrades Mxolisi, Toto, Dihelele, Dibolelo, and Mathabo. Chairman Mxolisi Dukwana has been seized with the task of healing wounds, uniting comrades, renewing Khongolose and ridding the ANC in our province of destructive factions. It is not going to be an easy feat, but I know that Comrade Dukwana is equal to the task.

Having contested for the position of chairperson myself, I knew what I was up against. Comrade Dukwana is a formidable and capable leader under whose leadership the ANC can only become the strong and influential force we've known it to be. I also want to assure him of my unconditional support. It will not be easy, but he can rest assured of my support in what is going to be a difficult but necessary path to the renewal of our beloved African National Congress,” stated Ntombela.

Meanwhile, Ketso Toto Makume was elected the deputy provincial chairperson of the party while Poleliso Motsoeneng became the new ANC provincial secretary after beating outgoing IPC coordinator, Paseka Nompondo, with ANC MP Dibolelo Mahlatsi elected as the province’s new deputy secretary. Mathabo Leeto beat former ANC Secretary-General Ace Magashule‘s ally, Vusi Tshabalala, for the provincial treasurer position.

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Ntombela also pleaded for unity amongst the party and further said the continuation of the faction lines would not assist the party in the future.

“The Free State is not able to realise its full potential because we are constantly at war with each other. Let us productively use the next four years to strengthen our branches, deal decisively with those who want to derail our collective ambitions and most importantly, continue to strengthen the ANC,” she concludes.

OFM News