Emalahleni – More than 350 delegates are expected at the upcoming 9th ANC Nkangala regional conference set to take place from 03 to 05 October in Emalahleni’s Witbank Dam.
James Makhwiting, a member of Regional Task Team (RTT) for ANC Nkangala, told Highveld Chronicle that the organising committee has made significant progress, with logistical preparations over 90% complete.
He added that 288 delegates—two from each of the 144 ANC branches—are expected, along with representatives from the RTT and the veterans, women’s and youth leagues.
One faction is rallying to retain Thomas Ngwenya, former regional chairperson and current mayor of Nkangala District Municipality (NDM), with Philile Nkosi, former Mayoral Committee (MMC) in Steve Tshwete Municipality as deputy.
The opposing group is pushing for Kabelo Jonas Boshomane, former regional deputy chairperson and current NDM council speaker, to become chairperson with Lucky Ndinisa, speaker of Emakhazeni Municipality, as deputy.
Boshomane’s lobbyist Jennifer Masombuka, said: “The ANC in Nkangala requires a leader who is dynamic and progressive. We need a new cadre who embraces flexibility, encourages open discussions, welcomes innovative ideas and is aligned with the ANC’s renewal vision. We believe that comrade Boshomane embodies these qualities, and we’re confident he will lead the party effectively into the future.”
Ngwenya’s lobbyist Masotsha Mahlangu, said: “Comrade Ngwenya is a seasoned and reliable leader. I truly believe the ANC would thrive under his guidance. He has done an exceptional job leading the region, and I think he merits another shot at the position. However, it’s important to note that the ANC often finds itself tangled in factional politics. Sometimes, it’s not about being a capable leader that gets you elected, but rather the strength of the faction you belong to.”
Despite their rivalry, both sides agree on key positions, backing Sello Matshoga, Lindiwe Mahlangu and Millicent Shabangu to remain secretary, deputy secretary and treasurer.
The paper delved a bit deeper into the backgrounds of Ngwenya and Boshomane as they vie for the regional chairmanship.
Ngwenya’s political credentials
Ngwenya, from Belfast in the Emakhazeni municipality, held the position of chairperson for the ANC Belfast branch from 2000 to 2005. Between 2004 and 2005, he was branch secretary of the South African Communist Party (SACP). He was appointed as the scribe for the ANC Nkangala Regional Task Team (RTT) in 2013 and served as a political trainer for the ANC in the Mpumalanga province between 2014 and 2017.
In 2014, he became Deputy Chairperson of the Nkangala Regional Executive Committee, a role he held until 2022, demonstrating his long-standing commitment to the organisation.
Since April 2022, Ngwenya has served as Chairperson of the Nkangala Region and as ANC Provincial Executive Committee (PEC), continuing to play an influential role in the party and the region.
Ngwenya has over 15 years experience in local government. He served as a ward councillor, speaker and Executive Mayor for both Emakhazeni Local Municipality and Nkangala District Municipality.
He brings a solid background as a paralegal activist on land and human rights issues, along with extensive knowledge of labour laws and worker rights representation in the Commission for Conciliation and Mediation Arbitration.
He is also skilled in drafting litigation papers and has over five years of experience managing NGOs. He is also certified in both financial and non-financial management for these organisations.
Boshomane’s political credentials
Boshomane hails from the Dr JS Moroka sub-region in the Ward 15 branch. He served as the branch chairperson from 2001 to 2014 and is widely known for promoting political education. He later became sub-regional convener in Thembisile Hani and election team coordinator for DJ Moroka (2014-2016).
Known for his dedication to political education, he played pivotal roles as the sub-regional convener in Thembisile Hani and as the local election team coordinator for Dr JS Moroka from 2014 to 2016. His leadership journey took a new turn when he was elected to the Regional Executive Committee (REC) in 2014 and ascended to the role of deputy chairperson in 2022.
He took on the role of Chief Whip for Dr JS Moroka, eventually becoming the chief whip of the Nkangala District council, further cementing his commitment to leadership and community service.
Boshomane has a strong background in education. He taught Mathematics and Physical Sciences at KwaMhlanga High School, where he became Head of Department for the subjects and later served as Deputy Principal at Nkangala Comprehensive School.
His academic credentials include a bachelor’s degree in Mathematics and Physical Sciences, an honours degree in political science, African politics and international politics, and certificates in quality management and industrial and organisational psychology.
Both candidates would speak only after the conference, they told us.
