Delegates of the African National Congress (ANC) arrived at the party's Gauteng provincial conference held in Irene, Pretoria to find a tight security protocol in place on Friday.

Security staff at the entrance to the venue searched vehicles and confiscated items such as liquor.

"We are very strict, no rowdiness will be tolerated. Anything that looks like a potential weapon is confiscated...no alcohol is allowed inside too," said one of the ANC security personnel at the entrance.

Groups of delegates sang inside the plenary hall, whiling away time. The singing and chanting increased as the Ekurhuleni region walked in. Ekurhuleni has the most delegates of just over 300.

President Cyril Ramaphosa was expected to open the conference and address delegates on Friday.

The hotly contested position is that of deputy chairperson. There is also a fierce contest between education MEC Panyaza Lesufi, economic development MEC Lebogang Maile and former Johannesburg region chairperson Parks Tau, among others, for the position of deputy chair.

Gauteng Premier David Makhura is expected to be elected chairman unopposed.