By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Mandla Ndlovu has been re-elected as the provincial chairperson of the African National Congress (ANC) in Mpumalanga.
More than 780 voting delegates are attending the party’s 14th Provincial Elective Conference in Mbombela Stadium.
The three-day gathering opened peacefully with delegates singing in unison.
ANC first Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane delivered the opening address, urging delegates to discuss issues that change people’s lives and to focus on organisational renewal, discipline and ethical leadership.
Mokonyane challenged the delegates to work hard and ensure that the ANC emerge victorious in the upcoming Local Government Elections.
“Here in Mpumalanga, you must go look, almost two million young people who are disaffected interested to participate and young people are not the young people of 18 to 35, the youth league is up to 47.”
She said, “Even those who are staying on the streets, locate them in their communities, understand what is their issues, help them to get the job opportunities, expose them to skills opportunities and take them along on voting day.”
She stressed the need for ethical and accountable leadership, urging conference delegates to prioritise capability over factional interests when electing leaders.
“These gatherings are a platform to assess the state of the people… and on that basis, elect leaders who will be capable to execute the outcomes of your assessment… which therefore means election of leaders must be informed by whether they are capable to execute the task ahead,” she said.
The atmosphere reflected a desire for stability and a united front as the ANC prepares to campaign for the upcoming local elections.
The elected top five in the province is as follows:
- Chairperson: Mandla Ndlovu
- Deputy Chairperson-Speedy Mashilo
- Provincial Secretary-Muzi Chirwa
- Deputy Provincial Secretary-Mpumi Hlope
- Treasurer-Sibongile Makushe-Mazibuko
The re-election of Ndlovu signals continuity in leadership for one of the ANC’s strongest provinces. Mpumalanga remains a key stronghold for the party, known for its large membership base and significant contribution to South Africa’s mining, agriculture, energy and tourism sectors.