50th National Conference of the African National Congress


The 50th ANC national conference was held in Mafikeng, North West Province from December 16–20, 1997. More than 3,000 delegates attended the conferences voted to choose their leaders among 200 candidates for the 60-member committee. Emphasizing his intention to retire, President Nelson Mandela rejected a nomination during the proceedings. Thabo Mbeki was elected the new President of the ANC.

Leadership Election Results

With respect to the top six positions in the African National Congress, only two of those positions had contested elections. Thabo Mbeki was elected unopposed as ANC President and Jacob Zuma became Deputy President. Winnie Madikizela-Mandela had considered running for the Deputy Presidency against Zuma, but her comments about government shortcomings alienated members and led to her standing down after an insufficient number of delegates seconded her nomination. Kgalema Motlanthe was elected Secretary-General and Mendi Msimang took over from Arnold Stofile as Treasurer-General.
The two contested positions were of National Chairman and Deputy Secretary-General. For the position of National Chairman, Mosiuoa "Terror" Lekota won overwhelmingly against Sports Minister Steve Tshwete. For the position of Deputy Secretary-General, Thenjiwe Mtintso won a more narrow victory against Mavivi Myakayaka-Manzini.