Following the story we ran last week about the Tshifhiwa Muofhe ANC branch, declaring its support for Pres Jacob Zuma to retain his position during the forthcoming Mangaung conference, more ANC branches came out into the open and declared their support for Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe as their preferred candidate.

Ms Fulufhelo Mutheiwana, chairperson of the Nandoni branch and councillor for Ward 19 of the Thulamela Municipality, said her branch supported Motlanthe because they want a change of leadership in Mangaung. "In any committee, if a person stays in a position of leadership for too long, he or she becomes big-headed and corrupt. We are positive that when we come back, the ANC and not an individual will be the winner," said Mutheiwana.

Lutanyani Denge of Lwandani branch said they took a decision to endorse Motlanthe at their meeting held on 27 October. He also said that they took the decision to support Motlanthe, “because they see him as a person who can bring change to the country. The most important issue is economic freedom. The issue of distribution of wealth and resources is very important and we believe Mohlante will help on that one," said Denge.

Mr Maanda Tharaga, chairperson of the ANC Mutsindi branch, said they also took the decision to support Motlanthe “because they believe he can be a good leader for the country”.