South Africa's governing African National Congress (ANC) is holding its party congress at which members will vote for its next leader.
President Jacob Zuma is being challenged for the top job by his deputy, Kgalema Motlanthe.
The congress, held every five years, is taking place in Manguang, where the party was formed a century ago.
Correspondents say the party is battling to regain the moral high ground, amid accusations of corruption.
Some 5,000 delegates are eligible to vote at the 53rd National Conference, which will last for five days.
Mr Zuma will open proceedings with an address to the delegates on the current political landscape in South Africa.
The president is confident he can win a second term, says the BBC's Milton Nkosi in Manguang, despite media coverage of his personal life and allegations that he misused public funds to renovate his private home.
But Deputy President Motlanthe was nominated by at least three of South Africa's nine provinces and is hoping for a surprise victory. He only confirmed his candidacy last week.
If Mr Motlanthe is appointed, the ANC's control of parliament means he will almost certainly become South Africa's next president in elections in 2014.
The results of the leadership contest are expected later this week.
The ANC will use the congress to try to shake off persistent accusations of corruption and infighting, says our correspondent.
It is also lagging in delivering meaningful change for millions of poor South Africans, as it promised when it came into power at the end of apartheid in 1994, he adds.
DISCLAIMER: The Views, Comments, Opinions, Contributions and Statements made by Readers and Contributors on this platform do not necessarily represent the views or policy of Multimedia Group Limited.
Tags:
Latest Stories
-
Livestream: Newsfile discusses inaugurations, prisoner pardon and failed CJ petition
30 minutes -
Revisiting the forensic audit EC will increase credibility of future elections – Omane Boamah
2 hours -
Africa Food Systems Parliamentary Network urges governments to increase investment in agriculture
10 hours -
AU and partners urge youth to get involved in efforts to transform continent’s food systems
10 hours -
Fire kills 3-year-old at Asawase-Dagomba Line in Ashanti Region
11 hours -
Paskal A.B. Rois: How Mahama inspires me
11 hours -
Complete abandoned projects in Akatsi North District – Chiefs to Mahama
11 hours -
Painter and sculptor B. Acheampong turning his passion for art into profitable venture
12 hours -
Presidential lodge, RM residency in Ashanti region left to rot away
12 hours -
Herty Corgie highlights the essence of gratefulness in ‘My Gratitude’
14 hours -
ANNOUNCEMENT: Joy FM temporarily goes off air January 11
14 hours -
Yango honored with two titles at the Technovation Africa Awards 2024
15 hours -
Aowin Traditional Council declares war on illegal mining with spiritual intervention
15 hours -
Leadership must ensure equity for all citizens, regardless of faith – Asiedu Nketiah
15 hours -
Prof. Alex Manu appointed Executive Director at Centre for Social Justice
15 hours