The Gauteng African National Congress's (ANC's) two most significant regions, Johannesburg and Tshwane, will hold elective conferences this weekend with a tighter security presence set to keep a closer eye on proceedings. 

The two conferences were delayed mainly for weeks due to unresolved branch disputes. 

ANC conferences held in recent weeks had been dominated by accusations of branch exclusions and dozens of disputes. 

The Gauteng ANC had been resolving disputes in these regions to ensure regional conferences were held ahead of the provincial elective conference expected at the end of June, ANC provincial chairperson David Makhura said.

The Tshwane conference was announced late on Thursday as the region worked on resolving disputes with branches. The region said some of these disputes were being resolved while delegates registered ahead of the conference. 

Makhura singled out the Tshwane region as having several disputes. The region's regional secretary Eugene Modise said the conference would be held under strict security in anticipation of disruption. 

The Tshwane conference would be held in Fourways, Johannesburg.  

A higher level of security was also present at the Ekurhuleni ANC conference last weekend.

Makhura lamented this, saying it was symptomatic of the conflict between members. 

"We can state here without fear of contradiction that security will be very tight in and around the conference venue. Critical risk and security assessments have already been carried out together with the SAPS at the venue. 

The region said, "Sufficient security personnel will also be deployed throughout the three-day duration of the conference. We want to sternly warn anyone who may want to disrupt conference proceedings to think twice."

Modise was expected to contest the regional chairperson position against Kgosi Maepa, the incumbent, in terms of the leadership tussle in Tshwane. 

Maepa did not enjoy much support in the region and was often left out of negotiations over coalition talks following the local government elections. 

Modise was aligned with a faction that supported Cogta MEC Lebogang Maile's ambitions to lead the ANC in Gauteng.

In Johannesburg, the leadership race lost some steam following the death of former mayor Mpho Moerane. 

Moerane died in hospital after being injured in a car crash.

Moerane would have contested for the regional chairperson position against regional secretary Dada Morero.

Both camps had adopted campaign slogans. Morero's camp was called Fire Brigade and Moerane's Unity for Purpose or Spirit.

Those in Moerane's camp may still stand for positions.

The Spirit slate included deputy chairperson Eunice Mgcina (currently the acting chairperson), regional secretary Justice Ngalonkulu, deputy secretary Loyiso Masuku, and Maxwell Metsamba as treasurer.

Morero's slate was expected to include Simon Motha as deputy chairperson, regional spokesperson Sasabona Manganye contesting for the secretary position, and Nomoya Mnisi for the deputy secretary position. 

Nonceba Molwele was expected to stand for the regional treasurer position.

While the dominance of who would lead these regions was set to take centre stage at the conferences, the ANC in Gauteng faced declining electoral support. 

The party does not govern in these key metros, and how the party rebuilds on the lost ground following the 2021 municipal elections may be critical to the conference agenda. 

The ANC in Tshwane said its conference was focused on the ANC regaining the metro in 2026.