By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) 10th Eastern Cape provincial conference has been called-off following the court order in KuGompo City on Thursday.
The conference was scheduled for this weekend, was halted on Thursday after the High Court issued an interim order. The move followed complaints from a group of ANC members who raised concerns about irregularities leading up to the elective gathering.
Despite the court order, preparations continued, including the registration of delegates. This prompted the applicants to return to court urgently, arguing that those continuing with the process were in contempt.
The parties reached the agreement to end the conference during the contempt of court urgent application on Saturday, 28 March 2026.
During the proceedings, Advocates Dali Mpofu and Tembeka Ngcukaitobi appeared for the applicants, while advocate Apla Bodlani appeared for the respondents.
The parties presented a draft order by consent to Judge Johannes Louw, who accepted it.
The cancellation of the conference means the contempt of court matter is now off the court roll.
Judge Louw read out the order in court, “The respondent has conveyed the decision to not proceed with the Eastern Cape provincial congress, scheduled to take place between the 26th and 29th of March 2026.”
However, the matter does not completely go away; it will now be placed on the normal opposed motion roll. The parties have been given different dates to file, and the matter has been postponed to a later date.
The costs have been reserved.
The decision has been communicated to delegates. In a letter dated March 28, the delegates were told that the 10th provincial conference has been postponed until further notice.