The African National Congress in Nelson Mandela Region sat its first REC meeting after the regional conference that was held from the 14-16 November 2025. The REC assumed office inspired by Commander Fidel Castro’s assertion that “I’m not attached to anything. I’m attached to what it feels is my duty, to do my duty. I think that I will die with the boots on”.
The African National Congress in the Nelson Mandela Region stands at a historical crossroads, an inflection point that demands selflessness, courage, clarity, and uncompromising commitment to the organisational renewal and servicing of the people of the Metro. The 7th Regional Conference did not simply elect leadership; it laid bare the urgent truth that the ANC in this region has reached a defining moment- a moment of selflessness and elevation of the people’s interests above of those of leadership.
The REC reaffirmed its commitment towards unity, discipline, and renewal as a no longer strategic conversation, but rather as a matter of survival, relevance, and responsibility to deliver on the people’s aspirations. The REC reiterated that the task to renew the ANC is no longer a futuristic phenomenon but a matter of urgency as it borders on the life of the ANC.
This Region carries the sacred name of President Nelson Mandela, a name synonymous with principled leadership, intellectual bravery, and steadfast devotion to the people of South Africa. Our history is one of grassroots mobilization, political consciousness, and revolutionary discipline.
Yet in recent years, the movement in this metro has too often been weakened by both internal and external factors resulting in it to be in a state of disarray, enabled by factional contestation, leading the organisational drift from its historical mission of being a leader of society. The 7th Regional Conference served as a mirror image of the urgent task compelling us to confront what has been lost and inspiring us to rebuild what must urgently be restored.
At its first sitting, the newly elected Regional Executive Committee recommitted itself to a bold, programmatic agenda aimed at restoring the ANC to its rightful place as the trusted leader of society. Central to this commitment is the urgent strengthening of local government, the revitalisation of governance structures, and the intensification of service delivery and exercising aggressive oversight across all wards of the metro. This includes aligning the work of ANC councillors with the 7 Pillars of Service Delivery as outlined by the National Executive Committee and ensuring strict accountability through regular reporting and performance monitoring.
In the spirit of innovation and responsiveness, the region will be working towards the launching of the first of its kind ANC Service Delivery Reporting and Monitoring Hotline; listen#MyANCMyWard. This groundbreaking platform represents a renewed era of transparency, modernisation, and community-centred governance. It places the people at the center of monitoring service delivery while enhancing the capacity of the movement to intervene decisively where failures emerge.
Further, the REC reaffirmed its commitment to the 16 Days of Activism for No Violence Against Women and Children, recognizing that the struggle for social justice requires daily vigilance and programmatic action. Our efforts to strengthen government must always be rooted in the protection of the vulnerable and the building of communities anchored in dignity and safety.
The REC also resolved to deepen unity within the Alliance and across all ANC leagues. This unity is not rhetorical; it is program-based, intentional, and anchored on collective political responsibility. While ongoing engagements continue at national level, the region is determined to rebuild cohesion as we intensify the struggle to reclaim the Nelson Mandela Metro and restore governance that honours the aspirations of our people.
The commitment towards strengthening the Organisation and arming it for the battle ahead, the region will be working tirelessly towards its Regional Induction. This forms part of the crucial commitment towards cadre development and political education. This platform must also focus on giving veterans of our movement a bigger role towards the task of strengthening this collective and the organisation at large.
To ensure the effective execution of these commitments, the REC elected the following comrades as members of the Regional Working Committee (RWC):
1. Cde Samkelo Sam Dlulane
2. Cde Eugene Johnson
3. Cde Wandisile Jikeka
4. Cde Queenie Pink
5. Cde Nonina Maswana
6. Cde Sicelo Mleve
7. Cde Buyelwa Mafaya
These comrades will be responsible for the day to day running of the organisation along with the officials. The composition of the RWC is balanced with seasoned and experienced leaders in various ranks within the organisation. The REC reaffirmed its commitment and support to work along these comrades to ensure a decisive victory of the ANC come 2026 Local Government Elections.
REC Sub-Committees :
The functioning of sub-committees is important to ensure that the ANC delivers on issues related to service delivery to our people. Most of the work of the REC will be driven by the Sub-committees hence it becomes important for any structure to have strong subcommittees that will lead the work of the organisation. The following Comrades were appointed as sub-committee Conveners:-
1. Economic Transformation- Lufefe Mkutu
2. Policy – Eugene Johnson
3. Gender Commission- Nontombi Nama
4. Organising and Campaign- Nozipho Jodwana
5. Health – Tamara Xhanti
6. Political Education -Babalwa Lobishe
7. Peace and Stability -Thembinkosi Mafana
8. Communication -Bamanye Matiwane
9. Legislature &Governance – Itumeleng Ranyele
10. Finance and Fundraising. – Luvuyo Mini
11. Burial and Bereavement – Yolisa Pali-Jongilanga
The ANC in the Nelson Mandela Region emerges from its 7th Conference with renewed resolve, to build an activist movement, a disciplined organisation, and a leadership collective attuned to the aspirations of our communities. The people of Nelson Mandela Metro deserve governance that is competent, ethical, and people-centered. They deserve an ANC that leads with integrity, unity, and purpose.
This moment demands nothing less than our finest collective effort. We answer that call with humility, determination, and unwavering revolutionary commitment.
Issued by: ANC Nelson Mandela Region
For Enquiries: Siphiwo Tshaka
REGIONAL SECRETARY
079 728 3780
