LIVE FROM NASREC: Electoral commission to join plenary at 17:00 - ANC
2017-12-18 16:00
Paul Herman
The African National Congress has allowed journalists back into the plenary session and the electoral commission is expected to join the meeting at 17:00.
Although we in a holiday season, South Africans are depressed, we need a leader to change the mood of the country, South Africa needs a "Cyril Moment" #ANC54
The open plenary session planned for later will be to hear messages of support from Alliance partners, Cosatu and SACP.
The media were on Saturday prevented from hearing the messages from the two partners, but it seems their inputs will now be delivered in an open session.
Counting is therefore still underway.
16:20
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ANC media says delegates are moving back for more closed sessions.
The next open session, where the results will be announced, will only take place later, and media will be advised.
15:55
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It seems delegates have been called back to plenary.
Delegates are slowly moving back inside Hall 6.
15:39
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Water and sanitation minister Nombula Mokonyane was interviewed by eNCA in the media area, with other journalists also attending.
Mokonyane said she withdrew her nomination for treasurer general to avoid a three-man race.
"I will forever be humbled by what branches of the ANC have done, considering me as a candidate for Treasurer General.
"I reflected on it, I even spoke to them, and it was after consultation with those that nominated me, and having made them appreciate that I would rather not contest.
"That's my own contribution of uniting the ANC and avoiding a three-man race, and rather for me to demonstrate that possibility."
15:28
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The long wait continues...
There are six positions to be finalised, between 12 candidates, and 4 776 voting delegates.
A delegate received one ballot, with 12 names, divided by the six positions.
That means there are 28 656 choices to tally. Counting was predicted to take between two and five hours.
The first tally is being conducted manually, and a second audit of the results will also be manual.
15:13
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Roy Moodley, one of the key figures mentioned in the book The President's Keepers, was spotted at a business stall during President Jacob Zuma's media walkabout at the ANC's national elective conference.
Full story to follow from News24's Jan Gerber...
(Picture: Jan Gerber, News24)
15:09
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The market appears to be backing only one horse in the African National Congress’ leadership race. Read more here:
WATCH: Gwede on the relationship between the President and the NEC
15:04
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ICYMI: Here is a breakdown of how the voting procedure worked, and who will be overseeing and monitoring the counting of the votes for the ANC elective conference:
Zuma: "Don't worry about other things. Life is life.
"The important thing is how do you respond to that action. How does the ANC rise, and be there to be part of everything in the country."
Zuma now charming the media, following an occasionally fractious relationship over the last decade.
"At times you've been critical and I've criticized what you write.
"But I think... you do write and we appreciate that."
13:37
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Zuma says delegates want the best outcomes from the ANC's 54th national conference.
"The ANC lives for South Africa. It does not live for itself. We all want prosperity, but it's a question of us, taking different routes and highways and footpaths.
"But we all want a good South Africa that makes all South Africans feel good... and benefitting from the riches of the country."
13:34
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Zuma: The branches have the last say. They say, 'we think this particular comrade can lead us'.
I don't think we've seen an organization like that in this country, that will go to that level.
In the ANC, it is open, and we believe we are practicing democracy.
13:33
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Zuma: From our point of view, it has been like all other conferences, although it tended to excite more. It's the first national conference where we have seven presidential candidates.
That expresses very loudly the democratic nature of the ANC.
13:32
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"I think from my own point of view, there is not [more] that I can do," says Zuma. "So I am very happy."
13:32
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At the media briefing, Zuma says he feels humbled is bowing out "very happy."
13:29
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And back in the PBF breakfast area where Zuma is meeting the media, Roy Moodley is spotted in and among the crowd.
(Picture: Jan Gerber, News24)
13:23
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Elsewhere in the Nasrec media area, ANC chief whip Jackson Mthembu has scolded journalists from the Gupta-owned ANN7 channel who wanted to interview him.
Mthembu told them that they must first apologise for "defaming" him on their platform before he will give them an interview.
"Let's start there. Let's talk about that issue first.
"You called me a DA collaborator. You never apologized," he accused.
13:16
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As he leaves, Mkhize jokes with News24 staff, says as treasurer general, one term is enough.
13:15
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"The African National Congress survives because of the people who use their skills and their lives to make it grow, and long may that continue," says Zweli Mkhize.
The News24 POLOTIKI interview finishes.
13:14
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Zweli Mkhize on reports the ANC is "broke".
"The ANC is a good position. The new TG, the new team. I am going to work with them. When I gave the report, I indicated the culture that needs to be built.
"Every time you sit, we make a case to cut down costs and increase your revenue.
"The ANC is not broke, the ANC is not rich. The ANC just survives."
13:12
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Mkhize: says it's not right for delegates to have a list of NEC members with them when they vote if they want to follow a slate.
But if it is genuinely because they cannot remember, then that is "better".
"If people keep the lists for those purposes, it's ok."
13:10
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Mkhize asks "where did you get this story from?" after Mahlase asks him about rumours that he struck a deal with Cyril Ramaphosa.
"I did not do a deal. I will not even endorse a slate. I would have stood there and made an announcement if that was the case.
"There is no deal. Who is going to offer me a president when they are not yet president of the country?
"I think people come with fake news," he laughs.
13:08
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Mkhize: Everybody is now talking unity. When we raised the issue, it was about saying everyone must come closer together.
"Out of this conference, we cannot allow that the ANC is pulled apart. The new leadership must play that role. Unity is not optional."
13:07
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Mkhize: I will accept whoever gets elected.
Mkhize says he has lost the opportunity to vote for either leader as he was busy with his party's financial report.
13:05
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"We are not here about our own ambitions. There is much more to do when we unite the leadership as the ANC," Mkhize says.
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