CAPE TOWN (Sapa) - The African National Congress in the Western Cape has been riven by factionalism, patronage and "political assassination", according to its new chairman, Mcebisi Skwatsha.

"Since our last provincial conference many of our gravest challenges have emerged from within the ranks of the ANC," he said.

His damning assessment was contained in an organisational report presented to the party's provincial conference in Cape Town in a closed session on Wednesday night.

The presentation, in his role as provincial secretary, took place shortly before his election to the post of chairman.

In a clear reference to ousted premier Ebrahim Rasool and his followers, Skwatsha said the actions of a faction centred on some ANC members deployed to the provincial government had divided the party and played directly into the hands of the Democratic Alliance, which took control of the City of Cape Town in 2006.

"Using the resources of government as a cudgel to enforce compliance with their programme, these members conducted a well-greased campaign to depict the leadership of the Western Cape ANC as Africanist, unstable, unscrupulous and divided...

"For several years, starting from before our last provincial conference, we have lived through a period characterised by political assassination and attempted assassination between 'comrades'."

Skwatsha was himself stabbed in the neck at a turbulent ANC meeting in the Boland in June.

He said ANC members deployed to the provincial government had run the province as their personal fiefdom, ensuring contracts were awarded to sympathisers of what became known as the "home for all" grouping, after the provincial unity slogan that became Rasool's battle cry.

"When elected leaders at the highest level openly engage in factionalist activity, where is the movement that aims to unite the people of South Africa for the complete liberation of the country from all forms of discrimination and oppression?" he asked.

"When money changes hands in the battle for personal power and aggrandisement, where is the movement that is built around a membership that joins without motives of material advantage and personal gain?"

He said "certain" ANC members had undoubtedly contributed to the DA winning Cape Town.

The municipality was now "under the firm control of Zille", he said.

Skwatsha's election as chairman was part of an unopposed clean sweep by the Zuma camp of the top five leadership positions in the party in the province.

He ousted Mbeki supporter and ally of Rasool's James Ngculu.

Deputy chairperson is Lynne Brown, who was appointed premier in Rasool's place in July.

The new provincial secretary is Sipho Kroma, currently a member of the provincial legislature.

He is expected to relinquish the legislature post following his election, in line with ANC policy that provincial secretaries should concentrate on that job.

ANC chief whip in the legislature Max Ozinsky was re-elected deputy provincial secretary.

Treasurer is Cape Town businessman Songezo Mjongile.

On Wednesday, a large group of dissidents held a protest meeting in Langa township, claiming irregularities in the runup to the conference.