ANC Eastern Cape Keeps Fighting Court Ruling on Provincial Conference
What Happened?
In March 2026, a group of ANC members from the Eastern Cape took the party to court. They argued that the planned provincial conference broke the ANC’s own rules and even the country’s Constitution. The court agreed and issued an interim order stopping the conference from going ahead.
ANC’s First Reaction
The ANC’s national office, known as Luthuli House, initially said it would appeal the judge’s decision. The party’s Secretary‑General, Fikile Mbalula, and the ANC itself were listed as the second and third respondents in the case.
Why the Appeal Was Pulled Back
This week the ANC announced that it and Mbalula have formally withdrawn their request for leave to appeal. The notice of withdrawal was delivered to everyone involved and filed with the High Court registrar in the Eastern Cape.
The party explained the move:
- The withdrawal came after reading the judge’s full reasons for the interim order.
- Legal advisors said the ANC could make its case stronger through other court procedures.
- The ANC believes it can show, with full evidence, that it followed the court’s order and that its membership records and internal processes are correct.
What the ANC Says About the Courts
Despite pulling back the appeal, the ANC stresses that it respects the judiciary. It promises that any future provincial conference will be run exactly as the ANC constitution requires and in line with the court’s directions.
Eastern Cape ANC Still in Court
Yanga Zicina, the spokesperson for the ANC in the Eastern Cape, clarified that the party is not dropping the legal fight entirely.
“We have elected not to discuss our legal strategy in public… But yes, we are forging ahead.”
Zicina’s comment means the ANC will continue to defend its position, just not through the appeal route it originally planned.
Who Brought the Case?
The lawsuit was filed by three ANC members:
- Lwazi Rotya – Ward 24, Mcebisi Bata Branch
- Sinethemba Mpande – Branch executive committee and treasurer of Valithuba Tshwaku Branch
- Nompumelelo Mzothwa – Ward 26 branch in the Ingquza Hill sub‑region
They claimed the conference was unconstitutional, violated their contractual rights under the ANC constitution, and ignored the party’s rules for branch, regional, provincial, and national meetings.
The Judge’s Reasoning
Acting Judge Babalo Metu gave his detailed reasons this week. He said the applicants clearly showed why the matter needed urgent attention and could not wait for a regular court schedule.
The judge highlighted that, as ANC members, Rotya, Mpande, and Mzothwa have a political right to take part in leadership elections that must be transparent, fair, and democratic.
What’s Next?
The ANC will now use other legal avenues to prove it has complied with the court’s order. It aims to demonstrate that its membership lists and administrative procedures in the Eastern Cape are solid and follow the party’s governing documents.
If successful, the party hopes to move forward with the provincial conference in a way that satisfies both its own rules and the court’s expectations.
Conclusion
The ANC in the Eastern Cape has stepped back from appealing the March 2026 judgment that halted its provincial conference, but it is not giving up the fight. By withdrawing the appeal and focusing on alternative legal steps, the party hopes to show it respects the court while still defending its right to hold a lawful, democratic conference. The coming weeks will reveal whether this strategy lets the ANC move ahead with its plans or leads to further legal twists.
