The ANC opened its Dr WB Rubusana Regional Conference at East London City Hall on 03 December 2025, with Eastern Cape Chairperson Oscar Mabuyane calling for unity, discipline and a renewed focus on service delivery ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Mabuyane began his address by honouring the late Ward 32 councillor, Ntombekhaya Sabana, and offering condolences to the family of Bishop Mbete, who recently lost a child. He said Sabana’s dedication demonstrated the type of leadership needed in the region.
He told delegates that the conference had been delayed since September due to disputes, and reminded members that ANC conferences are not “leadership-choosing events only,” but spaces to strengthen structures and reconnect with communities.
Call for disciplined and united leadership
Mabuyane urged delegates to show discipline throughout the three-day gathering.
He said the ANC stands at a “crossroads of renewal or decline,” weakened by factional battles, declining political education and limited involvement of ordinary members.
A total of 2,665 members in the region have completed political training, but Mabuyane warned that too few carry the workload of branches.
He said some NEC and PEC deployees had also become passive, leaving branches “vulnerable and under-supported.”
Election readiness and service delivery expectations
With the 2026 municipal elections approaching, Mabuyane said the region must urgently rebuild its election machinery.
“No region can deliver a victory without a functional election structure,” he said.
He reminded delegates of the 2021 mandate, which asked the ANC to fix water systems, old roads and sewage networks, address the electricity crisis, improve municipal leadership, fight corruption and create more opportunities for young people.
“The incoming leadership must unclog the arteries of service delivery,” he said.
Economic updates and new investments
Mabuyane said new data shows that Buffalo City’s economy is creating jobs, drawing people from surrounding regions.
He outlined strategic investments including:
- Automotive expansion in the East London Industrial Development Zone (IDZ).
- Revitalisation of the Port of East London for exports, logistics and tourism.
- The University of Fort Hare’s new Greenfield Student Life Centre in the CBD.
He also called for more development beyond East London and Mdantsane, saying residents of Bhisho, Qonce, Dimbaza, Zwelitsha, Phakamisa, Ndevana, Tsholomnqa and Ntabozuko must also benefit.
Government is already working with SANRAL on major road upgrades, including the Bisho–Komga road, Breidbach Interchange and a new route linking Scenery Park to the airport.
Historic legacy and responsibility
Mabuyane reminded delegates that the region carries a powerful liberation history linked to Dr WB Rubusana, Samuel Mqhayi, Bantu Biko, Priscilla Maxongo, Nonyamezelo Mxenge, and many others who shaped resistance in the Eastern Cape.
“You carry the responsibility of guarding this movement with care,” he said.
Renewal as a daily practice
He repeated that organisational renewal is the ANC’s “most urgent task,” warning that unity cannot be used to silence internal debates.
“Discipline, ethics and ideological clarity must return to the centre of ANC life,” he said.
Mabuyane closed by urging delegates to leave the conference ready to restore trust in the ANC in Dr WB Rubusana Region.
“Let history record that on 3 December 2025, in this City Hall, the ANC reignited its flame,” he said.
ANC Dr WB Rubusana Elected REC Officials
1. Cde Princess Faku- Chairperson
2. Cde Malibongwe Mfazwe- Deputy Chairperson
3. Cde Anele Gee Lizo- Secretary
4. Cde Bongiwe Sauli- Deputy Secretary
5. Cde Yomelela Tyali- Treasure
