10 November 2001
The fully - packed Concordia Community Hall in Namakwaland was bustling at the seams when ANC delegates unanimously voted in Manne Dipico as the ANC Provincial Chairperson for the fourth time in succession unopposed. The 43 years - old Premier cut his teeth in the struggle in the early 80s when it was unfashionable to be an activist. He served in the provincial structures of SAYCO in the Northern Cape, responsible for labour matters. Due to the highly -strenuous task of organizing in the mines, the youth structures in the province proposed that Dipico be deployed to assist in building the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) as its organizer in the province.
Later, he joined the Political Education Unit of NUM nationally. As the first secretary of the ANC after the unbanning of political organization in 1990, he was part of the core that organised for the ANC to operate in the province under conditions of legality. In 1992, he took over the reigns of the ANC from Mme Ruth Mompati as the chairperson of the ANC in the province. Mme Mompati served as the South African Ambassador to Switzerland and is currently the Mayor of Vryburg.
The position of the Deputy Chairperson currently consists of two nominees, the current Provincial Chairperson, John Block and his contender Parks Modise. This will be the only position that is contested at the ballot as all the other remaining positions were won uncontested. Neville Mmpati, the current provincial secretary retained his position together with his deputy. Fred Wyngard. Wyngard is the province's MEC for Social Welfare and Development.
The only woman in the top - five position, Dipuo Peters, a mother of two girls was elected as the Provincial Treasurer for the second time. She is the current MEC for Health and a fast - rising leader in ANC circles. She sits in the ANC National Executive Committee. A youth and gender activist. The 30- something Peters cut her teeth in youth struggles in the 80's and was instrumental in the formation of the Provisional National Youth Committee in 1990 which lead to the establishment of the ANC Youth League in 1991. She served in the National Executive of SAYCO (South African Youth Congress) from 1987 - 1990. She continued to serve in the ANC Youth League from 1991 - 1994.
Profile compiled by Nomfanelo Kota:
ANC National Media Co-ordinator, for more info call her at 02773 16 009 or 0277316015 or leave a message on her voice-mail: 082 570 5072 (Vodacom network off in Concordia)