Lesufi denies using state power against rival in ANC Gauteng chair race

“Hogwash” is how Gauteng PremierPanyaza Lesufihas described the allegations that he is attempting to push health MECNomantu Nkomo-Ralehokoout of the government. Nkomo-Ralehoko is preparing to challenge him for theANCprovincial chair position at the upcoming conference. She and Lesufi are the two names most frequently mentioned as front-runners for the ANC Gauteng chair.

Many insiders say Nkomo-Ralehoko will probably pose a serious challenge to Lesufi for the position. Before the ANC Gauteng leadership was reconfigured last year and converted into a provincial task team (PTT), she served as Lesufi’s deputy chairperson. Nkomo-Ralehoko served as chair of the dispute resolution committee for the Johannesburg regional conference and was accused of consistently ruling in favour of the faction that ultimately lost the conference.

She has denied the allegations to theMail & Guardian. This week, Lesufi told theM&Gthat the claims against him were unfounded. “There’s no such thing and my name must not be used for nefarious reasons,” he said.

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It remains unclear when the provincial conference will take place.Some party members believe PTT’s term should be extended, arguing that the conference would probably further divide the province. The ANC is grappling with allegations that the Johannesburg regional conference was rigged to favour the Loyiso Masuku faction that emerged victorious in December. Both factions that contested the regional conference have threatened to approach the courts if the ANC’s ruling on the matter does not go their way. There was concern in the party that proceeding to a provincial conference could deepen divisions because those who supported the winners of the Johannesburg conference were competing for positions at provincial level, a PTT member told theM&G.

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