Mashudu Sadike
The PAC president Mzwanele Nyotsho was reelected unopposed at the party’s national elective congress held at the Ngoako Ramathlodi hall in Seshego outside Polokwane in Limpopo this weekend.
Apa Pooe and five others were also elected unopposed at the conference that ended on Sunday.
Victor Serakala was elected in the deputy president position while Pooe’s deputy was Eddie Mfulwane. Jaki Seroke, Mbuyisilo Gantsu and Sbu Xaba will be treasurer, national organiser and national chairperson respectively.
The party has been marred by factionalism and infighting resulting in parallel congresses taking place in recent years.
But Nyotsho, speaking on the sidelines of the conference, said the fact that there was no contest in the top seven positions showed that there was stability and unity among its members.
“I’m very happy because the conference saved us time. We had hired an independent institutional body to oversee the elections.
“We are happy not to have contested particularly in the top seven because it shows that there is stability, continuity and growth within the party.”
However, it was not smooth sailing as the congress began on Friday with factions attempting to disrupt the gathering outside the hall but they were dispersed by the party’s security.
Speaking to Pretoria News on Sunday, Limpopo PAC chairperson and host province leader Dr Pitso Mphasha dismissed the incidents saying those who attempted to disrupt the congress were not their members but were hired to threaten unity.
He said: “We must indicate that the PAC in the province is happy and excited that the party conducted its business properly. We must applaud the security of the party for clearing those who were rented to disrupt the congress.
“I wouldn’t say it was violence, it was just a little misunderstanding because it was a peaceful congress.
“We need to indicate where there is contestation. You cannot win or lose congress before it sits. People who realise they don’t have numbers, they go rent a mob to disrupt congresses.”