President Cyril Ramaphosa will face Zweli Mkhize, the health minister he had suspended due to corruption charges in the ruling African National Congress.
The five-day conference in Johannesburg has widened the rift between its two major opposing power blocs, one of which is centered on current President Ramaphosa and the other on former President Jacob Zuma.
Zweli Mkhize, a former health minister and the only person to criticise Ramaphosa, is a supporter of Zuma’s group. Following claims that his department had improperly granted COVID-19-related contracts to a business run by his erstwhile associates, Ramaphosa placed Mkhize on special leave last year.
Mkhize, who unsuccessfully contested for office in 2017 against Ramaphosa, maintains his innocence. The ANC is less popular than ever and is quite likely to lose its parliamentary majority.
Ramaphosa’s detractors are calling for his resignation due to a controversy involving the stash of cash at his farm. He has been cleared of all charges and has denied any misconduct.