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The ANC Eastern Cape Provincial Executive Committee met in Qonce from 1–2 March 2026 and issued an official statement on 3 March 2026 .
As of March 2026, ANC members must note the revised Branch General Meeting deadline of 15 March and confirmed provincial conference dates later this month.\
What is happening?
The PEC met at Canon James Calata House in Qonce for its Ordinary Provincial Executive Committee meeting.
The meeting was attended by ANC National Executive Committee representative Khensani Kubayi. The provincial chairperson delivered a political overview, while the provincial secretary presented:
- A report from the Provincial Working Committee
- A framework for the provincial conference organisational report
These reports informed strategic discussions ahead of regional and provincial conferences.
Confirmed conference dates
The PEC reaffirmed the following:
- Amathole Regional Conference: 20–22 March 2026
- Provincial Conference: 27–30 March 2026
The Provincial Conference is held every four years. It receives reports, determines strategy and policy direction, and elects provincial leadership.
BGM deadline extended
The cut-off date for Branch General Meetings has been extended from 8 March to 15 March 2026.
The PEC stated that BGMs are proceeding across all regions and confirmed that all regions have started their branch processes.
Integrity Commission decision
The PEC received a report from the Provincial Integrity Commission, presented by chairperson Prof SM Mayatula, concerning Chris Hani regional chairperson Lusanda Sizani.
After deliberation, the PEC resolved unanimously that Sizani will remain in office. The committee stated that the matter does not place the organisation into disrepute and declared it closed.
2026 theme adopted
The PEC affirmed the ANC’s 2026 theme:
“A Year of Decisive Action to Fix Local Government.”
The focus includes improving service delivery, strengthening governance, enhancing accountability and advancing local economic development.
The PEC also emphasised preparations for upcoming local government elections and called for strengthened organisational machinery.
Why it matters to you
If you are an ANC branch member, the 15 March 2026 BGM deadline determines eligibility to participate in conference processes.
Branches that fail to meet the deadline may not participate fully in conference structures.
For communities, the Provincial Conference will elect leadership and shape policy direction that may influence:
- Municipal oversight
- Service delivery priorities
- Organisational renewal
- Election strategy ahead of local government polls
In addition, the adopted 2026 theme signals a political focus on fixing municipal governance across the Eastern Cape.
What you need to know
| Issue | Detail | Practical impact |
|---|---|---|
| PEC meeting | 1–2 March 2026, Qonce | Strategic provincial planning |
| BGM deadline | Extended to 15 March 2026 | Branches must complete meetings |
| Amathole Conference | 20–22 March 2026 | Regional leadership processes |
| Provincial Conference | 27–30 March 2026 | Election of provincial leadership |
| Integrity Commission outcome | Lusanda Sizani remains in office | Matter closed |
| 2026 Theme | Fix Local Government | Service delivery focus |
| Elections | Local government polls upcoming | Organisational mobilisation underway |
Budget position
The PEC welcomed the national budget speech delivered by Minister Enoch Godongwana. It highlighted infrastructure investment, social services funding and economic growth initiatives. It also noted the need for targeted interventions to address poverty, unemployment and inequality in the Eastern Cape.
Youth and alliance matters
The PEC congratulated the ANCYL Provincial Congress and noted resolutions on youth development, education, skills development, economic transformation and social justice.
It further committed to strengthening alliance relations with the South African Communist Party, COSATU and SANCO.
International position and condolences
The PEC rejected what it described as imperialist aggression by the USA and Zionist Israel and reiterated support for Palestinian self-determination. It condemned the killing of civilians and referenced the killing of the Supreme Leader of Iran as being against international law.
The PEC extended condolences to the families of Debra Komose, Billy Nel and XYZ Goduka, and to people affected by natural disasters and global conflicts.
What you should do next
If you are an ANC member:
- Confirm your BGM is scheduled and completed before 15 March 2026.
- Verify membership status and delegate credentials.
- Participate in branch discussions and nomination processes.
- Monitor official communications for conference updates.
If you are a community member:
- Follow conference outcomes that may affect local governance.
- Monitor developments linked to fixing local government.
- Track announcements ahead of municipal elections.
For more verified provincial political coverage, visit our Local Eastern Cape News section.
Where to get help or official sources
For full details, refer to the official statement issued on 3 March 2026 .
You may also contact your local ANC branch for process clarification.
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