Unlock this story — it’s free
The African National Congress (ANC) regions in the Eastern Cape have rejected allegations of membership manipulation, defending internal processes days before the provincial conference.
In a statement issued on 24 March 2026, regional leaders accused critics within the party of attempting to discredit ANC systems and deepen divisions.
What happened
Eight ANC regions in the Eastern Cape released a joint statement backing the party’s internal membership administration processes, which fall under the office of Secretary General Fikile Mbalula.
The regions dismissed claims of manipulation as “malicious” and “false”, saying they are part of a broader effort to undermine the organisation’s internal democracy.
They also criticised Provincial Secretary Luvuyo Ngcukaitobi for raising concerns directly with national leadership instead of addressing them within provincial structures.
The statement links his complaints to ongoing court challenges against the provincial conference, suggesting similarities between internal allegations and legal action.
Why it matters
The dispute comes just days before the ANC’s provincial conference — a key event that will determine leadership in the Eastern Cape.
Regional leaders warned that internal divisions could weaken the party at a time when it should focus on service delivery and governance challenges.
They said:
- Most regional conferences were held peacefully
- Internal systems have been tested and upheld in court
- Disputes should be resolved within party structures, not through courts
The statement also reflects growing factional tension within the ANC in the province.
What you need to know
- The ANC says 7 out of 8 regional conferences were completed without incident
- Courts have ruled in favour of the party’s internal processes
- Allegations of branch manipulation are strongly denied
- The Secretary General’s office does not run branch meetings, but verifies compliance
- Disputes can be escalated through internal committees at branch, provincial and national levels
- The provincial conference is expected to proceed
Women leadership milestone
The regions highlighted increased representation of women in leadership:
- Four regions elected women as chairpersons
- In Amathole, both the chairperson and secretary are women
This was presented as part of the ANC’s broader commitment to gender equality and leadership transformation.
What to do next
For ANC members:
- Use internal party structures to raise disputes
- Avoid escalating internal issues outside official channels
- Follow verified ANC communication platforms
For the public:
- Monitor the outcomes of the provincial conference
- Watch how leadership decisions may affect local governance and service delivery
Where to get help
ANC members can raise concerns through:
- Branch structures
- Provincial dispute resolution committees
- National ANC dispute resolution mechanisms
Official updates are expected through ANC communication channels.
