ANC MPUMALANGA CONFERENCE ELECTS NEW LEADERSHIP IN PEACEFUL VOTE

The newly elected leadership led by Mandla Ndlovu as Provincial Chairperson includes Speed Mashilo as Deputy Chairperson, Muzi Chirwa as Provincial Secretary, Numelelo Hlophe as Deputy Secretary, and Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko as Provincial Treasurer. Makushe-Mazibuko is the only new entrant in the top five, replacing outgoing treasurer Mandla Msibi.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief, The Azanian

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The ANC in Mpumalanga has concluded its 14th provincial conference with the re-election of Mandla Ndlovu as Provincial Chairperson and the appointment of new officials in key positions.

The conference, attended by over 780 eligible delegates, was marked by a peaceful and democratic process, with Ndlovu returning unopposed as chairperson.

The newly elected leadership includes Speed Mashilo as Deputy Chairperson, Muzi Chirwa as Provincial Secretary, Numelelo Hlophe as Deputy Secretary, and Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko as Provincial Treasurer. Makushe-Mazibuko is the only new entrant in the top five, replacing outgoing treasurer Mandla Msibi.

Addressing delegates, Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane praised the Mpumalanga structure for its disciplined and exemplary conference process. "Exemplary indeed, for many provinces, regions and the entire country. And I think many of us in our respective provinces would wish to emulate the example of Mpumalanga," she said.

The conference theme, "Renewing the ANC to Deepen Service Delivery and Transform the Provincial Economy," sets the tone for the party's priorities in the province. In his acceptance speech, Ndlovu emphasized the importance of unity and collective progress. "We must work together to deliver services to our people and transform our economy," he said.

Dr. Nora Fakude-Nkuna, ANC Veterans League's provincial chairperson, reminded delegates that the ANC "is not a prize" driven by ambition or patronage, but must emerge through a rigorous democratic process that prioritises integrity and service to the people.

"Consultation, criticism, and self-criticism, collective leadership, and binding decisions are essential. Cadres must embody revolutionary ethics and moral integrity. Careerism, popularism, cliques, and self-enrichment have no place amongst us, and they have no place in the ANC," she said.

The re-election of Ndlovu and his team is seen as a boost for the party in Mpumalanga, with the new leadership collective tasked with steering the province through a critical period marked by governance challenges, economic pressures, and the need to rebuild public trust.

Parks Tau, NEC deployee, commended the Mpumalanga structure for its peaceful conference. "The ANC in Mpumalanga has shown that it is possible to conduct elections without controversy. This is a model for other provinces to follow," he said.

The ANC in Mpumalanga has presented a united front, with the new leadership committed to advancing unity, renewal, and service to the people. As Ndlovu said, "We are ready to take the province forward, together".