EASTERN CAPE — The African National Congress (ANC) remains confident in its ability to retain the Buffalo City Metro (BCM) without entering into a coalition ahead of the upcoming local government elections, according to ANC First Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane. As senior party leaders intensify campaign efforts across the Eastern and Northern Cape, the party is simultaneously navigating internal challenges, including candidate registration issues and ongoing legal disputes.
Mokonyane made these remarks while campaigning in Duncan Village at Ku Gompo City in the Eastern Cape. Senior ANC leaders have been actively canvassing in the Dr. Wubusana region to build support for the party. Despite internal challenges—such as the party’s failure to register candidates in certain municipalities and legal action initiated by member Andile Lungisa over his removal as a proportional representation (PR) candidate—the leadership maintains a strong, data-driven outlook.
Mokonyane emphasized a scientific approach to the campaign, describing it as a “numbers game.” She noted that the ANC has over 1,670 registered volunteers in the area. According to Mokonyane, if each volunteer mobilizes just ten additional voters, the party will secure its position, underscoring the primary intention to significantly increase overall voter turnout among all ANC supporters.
During the campaign engagements, residents of Duncan Village voiced urgent demands for improved municipal service delivery. A young graduate and ANC volunteer from the area expressed hopes for employment opportunities and better local services. Other residents echoed these sentiments, highlighting a lack of progress, the prevalence of informal settlements, and years of waiting for adequate housing.
Meanwhile, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula directed campaign efforts to Kimberley in the Northern Cape, where he addressed the ongoing internal disputes. Regarding the legal matter involving Lungisa, Mbalula stated that the party would respect the judicial process. He explained that because the matter is being handled by legal representatives, any public commentary made on behalf of the ANC could be used against the party in court, potentially leading to claims that the party misinterpreted its own guidelines.
However, Mbalula emphasized that a leader of Lungisa’s caliber and standing as an ANC member should be fully aware of the appropriate internal channels for raising such issues.
The ANC confirmed that it will continue its campaign activities throughout the region, with several planned engagements aimed at consolidating support and addressing voter concerns ahead of the local government elections.
