Those who accepted nominations to rival Zuma, including Deputy President Kgalema Motlanthe, were harming the organisation, the provincial YCLSA said in a statement.

"By offering tacit and at times explicit support, those who are elevated by ill-disciplined elements have become weak links in the organisational unity and cohesion of the ANC."

The Gauteng Young Communist League of SA said candidates who accepted nominations to rival Zuma were exchanging political support.

It said "elitist groupings" were working in Gauteng to impose their agenda ahead of the elective conference.

"These elitist groupings are unleashing various forms of patronage and purging.

"This is how we understand the recently imposed reshuffling of the provincial cabinet and disbursement of appointments to renegades," the YCLSA said.