“We commit to you, the membership of the ANC and the entire population of Alfred Nzo, that we will strive to unite this region.”
The African National Congress (ANC) in the Alfred Nzo region has successfully elected a new Regional Executive Committee (REC) after a disorderly conference that was marked by conflicts and disputes. The conference, which was officially opened by the Eastern Cape ANC Chairperson Oscar Mabuyane on Thursday, was initially scheduled to conclude on Saturday. However, due to intense debates and disagreements, the proceedings were delayed, and the announcement of the newly elected REC was only made at 6 am on Sunday.
According to reports, out of 106 branches in the region, 97 branches were initially represented, but seven were later nullified due to pending appeals, leaving 90 branches to participate in the conference. The conference was attended by NEC members Mduduzi Manana and Babalo Madikizela, Yanga Govana, and Joy Maimela as well as PEC members including Helen Sauls-August, Nonceba Khontsiwe, Siphokazi Mani-Lusithi, and Yanga Bhonga. On Saturday morning the former regional convener, Vukile Mhlelembana, raised concerns about the conference’s legitimacy in a letter to ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula. He cited several issues, including the conference proceeding without a properly adopted program and rules, and the lack of validation of credentials. Mhlelembana wrote, “The ‘Conferenc’’ began with unresolved disputes against the spirit of rule 21.4.1 which demands of conference to be constituted by at least 90% of delegates from branches.”
He also highlighted inconsistencies in the verification report, stating, “There were concerns around discrepancies between the final verification report and its addendum. Case in point being wards, 10&30 in Winnie Madikizela Mandela Sub region and 27 in Matatiele amongst others.” Furthermore, Mhlelembana expressed concerns about the appointment of the electoral committee, saying, “There are concerns about the appointment of the electoral committee by the RTT against the PEC’s guidance on the matter.” He emphasized the need for national intervention to ensure a credible conference.
Despite these challenges, the conference ultimately elected a new leadership structure. The newly elected REC will now take the helm, tasked with steering the party forward in the region. While the conference was marked by controversy, the ANC’s ability to persevere and ultimately elect a new leadership structure is a demonstration to the party’s resilience.
In conclusion, the ANC’s Alfred Nzo Regional Conference has come to a close, marking a new chapter in the party’s history. Despite the challenges and controversies that arose during the conference, the newly elected REC, led by Chairperson Tsileng Sobuthongo, has pledged to prioritize the needs of the people and work towards the development of the region. As Sobuthongo noted in her closing remarks, “We commit to you, the membership of the ANC and the entire population of Alfred Nzo, that we will strive to unite this region.” The conference’s theme, “The Year of Renewal to make the ANC a more effective instrument of the people to achieve the Vision of the Freedom Charter,” underscores the party’s commitment to serving the people and advancing the cause of freedom and democracy. The newly elected leadership faces significant challenges, including addressing poverty and inequality in the region. Sobuthongo emphasized, “If there is one mission as this generation we must strive for, it is to ensure that we work together as business and civil society to reduce poverty in our time.” said the newly elected Regional Chairperson Tsileng Sobuthongo.
