After months of delays and controversy, the African National Congress (ANC) in the Alfred Nzo Region officially opened its long-awaited 5th Regional Conference on Thursday, 24 July 2025 at the MPCC in Ntabankulu. Themed “Defend and Advance the Gains of Freedom: Unity Through Renewal,” the three-day gathering kicked off with a powerful political report from the Regional Task Team (RTT), marking the start of what is expected to be a pivotal moment for the movement in the Eastern Cape.
The conference opened with a warm welcome to delegates, alliance partners, traditional leaders, and veterans from across the region. Delivered by RTT Convenor Cde V. Mhelembana, the opening report struck a reflective tone, acknowledging the ANC’s current internal tensions, growing public dissatisfaction, and the heavy responsibility of renewal.
“This 5th Alfred Nzo Regional Conference takes place at a time when the movement and the country are facing enormous challenges,” said Mhelembana. “We must have the courage and honesty to recognise our shortcomings — and the resolve to correct them.”
Day 1 Highlights: Political Report and Themes of Introspection
The first day centred around the presentation of the Political Report, which was both candid and visionary. It highlighted the crisis of declining public trust, poor voter turnout, unresolved demarcation disputes, and community frustration over poor service delivery. Mhelembana emphasized the need to rebuild the organisation’s credibility and reconnect with the masses.
The RTT drew attention to the enduring “triple challenge” of poverty, inequality and unemployment, calling it “the biggest stain on the development of our people.” Delegates were reminded of the ANC’s original mission — to fight injustice and lead with integrity — and were urged to return to these founding values.
“Our people expect us to be committed to our responsibility to execute the founding mission of the ANC,” said Mhelembana. “They also expect us to rise to the occasion with solutions, not slogans.”
the 5th regional conference that is currently underway in Ntabankulu.
Development Update: Broadband, Agro-Hubs and the Eastern Seaboard Vision
Despite the tone of self-criticism, the RTT reported on significant progress under the Eastern Seaboard Development Initiative, a Presidential-led strategy aimed at rural upliftment:
- The broadband rollout in Umzimvubu was piloted in Dutyni, Chitwa, Bhonga, and Lugelweni villages and is now expanding.
- Major agro-economic investments are underway, including the R72 million Alfred Nzo Agro-Processing Hub in EmaXesibeni, the R331 million Ntabankulu Agro-Hub, and the upcoming Winnie Madikizela-Mandela Small Harbour Project worth R12 million.
- The report also noted plans to improve ecotourism infrastructure at Ntentenyana Dam and Mzamba Precinct.
However, these efforts were said to be “held back” by extortion at construction sites, failing infrastructure, corruption, and the “high cost of securing business and assets” in rural municipalities.
Tribute and Reflection
The opening day concluded with a moment of silence in honour of families affected by recent regional disasters, including those in neighbouring OR Tambo Region. Delegates paid tribute to past leaders such as Oliver Tambo, Chris Hani, Charlotte Maxeke, and Nelson Mandela, whose July birth month was noted as symbolic of sacrifice and leadership.
Referencing a quote by President Tambo, the RTT Convenor reminded delegates:
“Our fight is for justice. We cannot cease until we have won, as we will in time…”
What’s Next
The conference continues today, Friday, 25 July, with commissions expected to dive deeper into policy resolutions, leadership matters, and organizational renewal ahead of Saturday’s closing plenary.
Stay with Pondoland Times for continued coverage of the ANC’s 5th Alfred Nzo Regional Conference as it unfolds.
