On Saturday 22 January 2023, an ally of president Cyril Ramaphosa, Mxolisi Dukwana, emerged victorious, defeating Free State premier Sisi Ntombela for the position of chairperson.

ALSO READ: ANC Free State kickstarts 9th elective conference after many delays

Dukwana garnered 346 votes whilst Ntombela could only manage 306 votes.

Dukwana was the Interim Provincial Committee (IPC) convenor after the PEC, led by Ace Magashule's strong ally, Sam Mashinini, was nullified by the Bloemfontein-based Supreme Court of Appeal's (SCA) order in April 2021.

ALSO READ: FS #ANC conference unlawful

ANC national chairperson, Gwede Mantashe, previously challenged Free State party members to choose leaders during the 9th Provincial Electoral Conference in Bloemfontein who will add value to the party.

Whilst addressing party members at the Bloemfontein lodge, he said the ANC’s activists must understand the balance of forces.

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

ALSO READ: Vote for those with leadership qualities: Mantashe

As is the party norm and standards, ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered the closing address at the ANC Free State's 9th Provincial Conference. In his address to party members, Ramaphosa congratulated the newly elected ANC Free State Top 5 Officials, in what the President termed a watershed conference. Ramaphosa pleaded with those who are dissatisfied with the conference outcomes, to rally behind the elected leadership and accept the results.

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