JOHANNESBURG - The African National Congress has found itself embroiled in yet another political drama, as two of its key provincial conferences face a stark contrast in outcomes.
The Eastern Cape conference has been put on hold amid controversies and disputes, while the Limpopo conference proceeded as planned, despite its own set of challenges.
In Mpumalanga, it's all systems go as that conference started without any hiccups.
ANC NEC convener Mmamoloko Kubayi said the Eastern Cape provincial conference has been halted until further notice, after disgruntled party members approached the courts to challenge the legitimacy of the gathering.
The move deepens internal divisions as legal pressure now stalls key organisational processes in the province.
In Limpopo, the ANC is set to elect new leaders in the province, with the race for the provincial chairperson post breaking new ground.
For the first time, a woman is contesting the top position.
READ: ANC Eastern Cape elective congress called off
Dr Phophi Ramathuba, who made history as Limpopo's first female premier, is seeking to extend her influence within the party and be elected as the first ANC female chairperson in Limpopo.
Moving back to the east coast of South Africa, legal battles continue to overshadow the ANC’s Eastern Cape conference, which is now on hold.
Party member Lwazi Rotya said they have a strong case to interdict the gathering.
Meanwhile, an application to hold the ANC Eastern Cape leadership in contempt of court over the interdicted conference will be heard on Saturday.
"Justice is going to be served on this matter, one way or the other. Our convictions are very strong in relation to the procedures that were not followed by the ANC," said ANC member Lwazi Rotya.
"Today, we lodged an application for contempt of court. It's only now that we heard that they are stopping the conference. The reasons for that application was that the registration continued after the interim order was handed down yesterday."