Convicted cleric Allan Boesak and the once beleaguered parliamentary chief whip, Tony Yengeni, both prodigal sons of the ANC, could be the toast of the ANC conference in Stellenbosch this week.

Their resurrection seems likely as the ANC, for the first time, has come out in public support of the nominations to the national executive committee (NEC) of both Boesak and Yengeni, saying it would not object to their endorsement by delegates.

The comments were made following indications that both leaders, especially Boesak, could be the toast of the conference, where observers will wait anxiously to see who gets nominated to the organisation's highest decision-making body.

Boesak was released early this year from Goodwood prison after serving just more than a year of his three-year sentence. He was convicted on three charges of stealing aid money donated to his Foundation for Peace and Justice.

At the time of his imprisonment, Boesak claimed his organisation was a front for the ANC and other groups fighting against the then minority government. He said the money was used to help anti-apartheid organisations, especially with payment of legal fees, and accused the Scandinavian donors of betraying him at the trial.

Yengeni, on the other hand, currently faces a charge of corruption for allegedly buying a luxury Mercedes-Benz 4x4 at a 47 percent discount in return for using his influence to secure Daimler-Benz Aerospace a part of SA's arms deal.

ANC secretary-general Kgalema Motlanthe told City Press this week the ANC would never forsake loyal cadres who had gone astray but who were prepared to go through rehabilitation.

"Whatever delegates decide (regarding the two leaders), we will respect it. We are not going to block their names from being nominated as we believe people can be corrected.

"We will, however, abandon those who are incorrigible. We believe we can correct people."

But while delegates will focus on the nomination of candidates to sit in the party's NEC, the ANC hopes the conference will debate other issues such as poverty, the provision of social grants, unemployment and relations within the tripartite alliance.

Observers believe the conference will also provide an opportunity for ANC President Thabo Mbeki to consolidate his reign.

A report tabled earlier in the year by the government-appointed Taylor Commission, which recommended a basic income grant for poor families, will also feature.

The party has already indicated it will pronounce on other issues, such as the expansion and strengthening of the current system of social grants.

With acknowledgement to City Press and www.news24.co.za.