Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa's presidential campaign has received another boost with a second province endorsing him to take over the reins in the African National Congress's (ANC's) heated presidential race.

ANC Eastern Cape chairperson Oscar Mabuyane confirmed to News24 that the province would back Ramaphosa at the December elective conference to replace Jacob Zuma as party president.

He said the decision was taken at the province's elective conference earlier this month.

"Yes it is correct, the conference endorsed Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa," Mabuyane said. However, he said he could not give details as the area he was driving in had poor cellphone reception.

Mabuyane replaced Premier Phumulo Masualle as chair at the chaotic provincial conference this month. Delegates who attended the conference attacked each other with chairs and at least eight people were taken to hospital. Some delegates had earlier cried foul over the registration process, with claims of unauthorised members being allowed to participate in the event.

The endorsement of Ramaphosa by the Eastern Cape, which has now been overtaken by Mpumalanga as the second-biggest ANC province, comes after that of the Northern Cape. It endorsed Ramaphosa at its elective conference in May.

The Sowetan reported on Monday that the North West became the first province to endorse ANC national executive committee (NEC) member Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma as its preferred presidential candidate, following a provincial general council over the weekend.

Dlamini-Zuma has also received the backing of the party's youth and women's leagues during NEC meetings.

However, all three provinces and the two leagues are seen as divided with some regions expressing support for other presidential candidates. Branches are expected to start the official nomination process that will give a clearer indication on which of the presidential hopefuls have support to stand as candidates at the December elective conference.

Other presidential hopefuls include ANC treasurer-general Zweli Mkhize, NEC members Jeff Radebe, Lindiwe Sisulu and former treasurer-general Mathews Phosa.