Simon Nare
The ANC Ekurhuleni regional executive committee (REC) has mandated its office bearers to engage with other ANC regions in Gauteng ahead of the party’s provincial conference, expected in May 2026, saying it wants an inclusive leadership outcome rather than “factional victory and a winner takes all”.
In a press statement issued after its ordinary meeting, the REC said that given the party’s poor performance in recent national and provincial elections and the “existential risk” facing the organisation, it had adopted a posture of responsible participation in the upcoming provincial conference.
The committee said it would be guided by the need to regain lost ground with an inclusive leadership collective.
“The Regional Executive Committee emphasised the importance of synergy and discouraged fragmented lobbying that are not necessary in the best interest of renewal but self-positioning.
“As such, the Regional Office Bearers were mandated to engage with other Regions in relation to the Provincial Conference, a process to be initiated by the Regional Chair and Regional Secretary,” said the REC.
It said these engagements would focus on political and organisational strengthening, including leadership discussions driven by “consensus” rather than selfish interests that undermine the ANC’s standing in the province.
The regional structure has in recent years been marked by intense internal contestation, including disputes over branch participation at conferences. The party has also had to rely on coalition arrangements to govern Ekurhuleni after failing to secure an outright majority.
The statement said the REC received a political report from regional chairman Nkosindiphile Xhakaza, who emphasised the need to focus on organisational and government work that is people centred.
“His input reminded us about the tasks of building strong structures, consistent with the programme of organisational renewal and the unity of purpose. Furthermore, the input emphasised on the consistency of providing basic services, fostering ethical leadership and accountability, particularly where there are glaring instances of underperformance and compromised good governance,” said the statement.
The committee said it appreciated the mandate of fixing local government and transforming the economy, as well as tasks articulated in the ANC’s January 8 statement delivered by President Cyril Ramaphosa in the North West.
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