Winnie expected to stand for ANC National Executive

The African National Congress continues its conference in Mafikeng today by choosing the party's National Executive.

The former wife of President Nelson Mandela, Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, is expected to stand for election.

Mrs Mandela withdrew from the contest for the post of ANC deputy leader yesterday, and although she already has a seat on the Executive, it's thought that she wants to be elected directly.

The BBC correspondent in Mafikeng says she may benefit from a sympathy vote from party members who want to dilute the humiliation she suffered yesterday.

The newly-elected party president, Thabo Mbeki, has said the party must heal the continuing rift between the black and white communities in South Africa.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service