ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Committee Dissolved After Failed Elective Conference
The African National Congress (ANC) in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province has seen its provincial executive committee (PEC) disbanded by the party’s national leadership just weeks after a botched attempt to hold an elective conference. The decision, confirmed by multiple party insiders and provincial spokesperson Yanga Zicina, paves the way for a temporary Provincial Working Team (PWT) to steer the province toward a renewed conference effort, likely after the upcoming local government elections on 4 November 2025.
What Triggered the Dissolution?
In late March 2025 the Eastern Cape ANC had scheduled an elective conference to elect new provincial office‑bearers, including the chairperson and secretary. However, a group of party members successfully approached the High Court in Bhisho, obtaining an interdict that halted the conference proceedings. The court cited irregularities in branch‑level nominations and alleged violations of the ANC’s constitution during the preparatory meetings.
According to the Daily Dispatch, the interdict was granted on 22 March 2025 after applicants argued that the branch meeting minutes had been altered without proper oversight (Daily Dispatch, 22 Mar 2025). The ruling effectively prevented the PEC from convening the conference as planned.
Leadership Changes Announced
Provincial spokesperson Yanga Zicina confirmed on Friday, 29 March 2025 that the PEC, chaired by Oscar Mabuyane with Lulama Ngcukayitobi serving as provincial secretary, would be replaced by a Provincial Working Team. Zicina stated that further details regarding the composition and mandate of the PWT would be released in a forthcoming statement (Daily Dispatch, 29 Mar 2025).
The national ANC leadership, acting through the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC), instructed the dissolution to restore order and ensure compliance with internal procedures before any future electoral processes.
Context: Oscar Mabuyane and the Eastern Cape ANC
Oscar Mabuyane has been a prominent figure in the Eastern Cape ANC since his election as provincial chairperson in 2022. Under his tenure, the province has grappled with factionalism, service‑delivery protests, and challenges in preparing for the 2024 national and provincial elections. Lulama Ngcukayitobi, appointed provincial secretary in early 2023, has been tasked with overseeing organisational structures and membership drives.
The recent court interdict highlighted ongoing tensions between competing factions within the province, particularly disputes over branch nominations that have historically delayed internal elections.
Implications for the November 4 Local Elections
The Eastern Cape is set to contest the municipal elections on 4 November 2025, a critical test for the ANC’s grassroots strength amid rising competition from opposition parties such as the Democratic Alliance (DA) and Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF). Analysts note that a stable provincial leadership structure is essential for effective campaign coordination.
- Electoral readiness: The PWT will focus on reconciling branch disputes, finalising candidate lists, and mobilising voter outreach.
- Governance continuity: While the PEC is dissolved, day‑to‑day provincial administration remains under the auspices of the ANC‑led provincial government, headed by Premier Oscar Mabuyane.
- Party discipline: The NEC’s intervention underscores a broader strategy to enforce constitutional compliance across all provinces.
What Lies Ahead?
Provincial insiders indicate that the PWT will operate under the direct supervision of the ANC’s National Working Committee (NWC) and report regularly to the NEC. The team’s primary tasks include:
- Conducting a transparent audit of branch meeting records.
- Facilitating mediation sessions between rival factions.
- Preparing a revised timetable for the elective conference, aiming for a window after the November elections.
- Ensuring that all procedures align with the ANC’s constitution and the Electoral Act.
Until a new PEC is elected, the province will rely on the PWT to maintain organisational cohesion and prepare for both internal party processes and the external electoral contest.
Conclusion
The dissolution of the Eastern Cape ANC’s provincial executive committee reflects the party’s commitment to upholding its internal rules amid legal challenges. By installing a Provincial Working Team, the national leadership seeks to rectify the procedural shortcomings that led to the court interdict, while keeping the province focused on the imminent local elections. Stakeholders will be watching closely to see how the PWT navigates factional divides and whether it can deliver a successful elective conference in the months ahead.
