Mxolisi Dukwana has emerged victorious after a fierce battle for the position of Free State ANC chairperson.
He was elected together with four other candidates in the top positions of the party leadership on Sunday (22/01), at the ninth provincial conference held in Bloemfontein.
Leading up to the elective conference, Dukwana led the interim provincial committee (IPC) for almost two years, following the disbandment of the ANC provincial executive committee in 2021.
The disbandment came after the Supreme Court of Appeal ruled in favour of disgruntled members of the party who contended that a 2018 provincial elective conference had take place amid irregularities.
At the conference in question, Sam Mashinini was elected as chairperson, succeeding Ace Magashule – who had been consecutively elected for the position and held it for 24 years.
Dukwana had been gunning for the position since 2012, challenging Magashule. However, his bid turned sour and he became unpopular among Magashule’s supporters.
A former teacher and the first MEC for Education, Dukwana served as treasurer from 2005 to 2012, when he launched a campaign to attain the position of chairperson.
He has been elected to serve the term that lies ahead along with Ketso Makume (deputy chairperson), Poleliso Motsoeneng (secretary), Dibolelo Mahlatsi (deputy secretary) and Mathabo Leeto (treasurer).
