Inside revealing weekend for ANC’s provincial leadership battle

The fight to control the ANC in the Eastern Cape played out over the weekend as factions emerged during visits to the home of late Bantu Church of Christ Bishop John Bolana in Gqeberha, further setting the stage for a high-stakes battle at the upcoming elective conference. ANC Eastern Cape chair Oscar Mabuyane and provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi arrived at the Bolana family home at different times, each accompanied by their own contingent of senior ANC allies. Ngcukayitobi is set to face off against former ally and premier Mabuyane, who is anticipated to run for a third term as provincial chair.

With the succession battle intensifying ahead of the provincial conference, Ngcukayitobi said on the sidelines of his Friday visit that he was willing to serve as provincial chair should the branches call on him. The provincial chair position traditionally produces the province’s premier. “Branch general meetings [BGMs] have not yet started, but if nominated and they come and ask, I would say I’m available if the branches of the ANC wish so,” Ngcukayitobi said.

On Friday, Ngcukayitobi was flanked by former ANC provincial chair and premier Phumulo Masualle and ANC MPL Mlibo Qoboshiyane. Both have, for years, opposed Mabuyane ahead of elective conferences. Mabuyane, meanwhile, visited with ANC deputy provincial secretary Helen Sauls-August, who is also the speaker of the provincial legislature, Nelson Mandela Bay mayor Babalwa Lobishe and regional secretary Siphiwo Tshaka.

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As the countdown to the provincial conference continues, of the ANC’s eight regions, Amathole and Sarah Baartman have yet to hold their regional conferences. The Sarah Baartman conference was abandoned on Friday after delegates failed to adopt credentials.

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