Mabuyane Urges ANC Renewal Amid Declining Support in Amathole

The African National Congress (ANC) in the Eastern Cape has called for unity and renewal in the Amathole region, as the party grapples with declining electoral support and rising opposition.

Addressing the Amathole Region elective conference on Friday, ANC Eastern Cape Chairperson Lubabalo Mabuyane emphasized the need for the party to renew and stabilize local government, citing challenges in service delivery and economic development.

“The people of Amathole are not asking for theory, they are asking for water, roads, electricity, work, and dignity. If we fail to meet these expectations, we must not be surprised when our people begin to look elsewhere,” Mabuyane said.

Mabuyane stressed the importance of unity and discipline within the party, highlighting the need for democratic centralism and managing contradictions.

He also emphasized the need for competent leadership that understands the region’s challenges and can drive development.

“The conference aims to elect a new leadership collective and discuss the party’s strategy for addressing service delivery challenges and promoting economic development in the Amathole region,” he said.

Mabuyane’s speech touched on various themes, including the importance of branch-level organization and revitalization, accountability and effective governance, and addressing corruption and inefficiency in local government.

“The ANC’s declining electoral support in the region is a concern, with opposition parties such as the UDM, EFF, and DA gaining ground. Mabuyane attributed this to complacency and a lack of delivery on the party’s promises,” he said.

He said the conference is seen as a critical moment for the ANC in the Eastern Cape, with implications for the party’s future direction and effectiveness in government.

“The ANC has faced criticism for its handling of local government, with many municipalities struggling to provide basic services. The party has also been accused of corruption and mismanagement.”

ANC Amathole 5th Regional Conference elected Regional Chairperson is Sheilla Xego, Deputy Chairperson is Anele Ntsangana, Regional Secretary is Nombuyekezo Ncetezo- Nkwenkwezi, Deputy Secretary is Sanga Maneli and Regional Treasurer is Onke Mgunculu.