10/04/2025
Statement of ANC Branches in Ehlanzeni Region on the Lapse of the REC Term of Office
Branches across the length and breadth of the Ehlanzeni Region are in jubilation as today marks the official end of the term of office of the most ineffective, dysfunctional, and factional ANC Regional Executive Committee Ehlanzeni Region. While their election might have been a democratic outcome, it has become abundantly clear that their term in office represented a deviation from the core values and traditions of the ANC. Once entrusted with leadership, it is expected that leaders rise to the occasion, unfortunately, the outgoing REC has failed this basic expectation.
Over the past term, we have witnessed the ANC in the region limping from one crisis to another. The organisation failed to rise above internal factionalism, which became the defining feature of the REC. Any branch or member that dared to express a differing view was met with threats, disbandment, or isolation. This oppressive environment crippled the organisation at the grassroots level. Many branches were rendered dysfunctional, unable to convene constitutionally mandated BGMs, and consequently, fell into disrepute and non-compliance with ANC constitutional provisions.
The failure of the REC to provide political guidance and support to branches has left a vacuum of leadership and service. Rather than developing systems of accountability and oversight, the REC allowed, and in some instances actively contributed to, the collapse of branch functionality. There was no meaningful programme of action to build the organisation, strengthen its structures, or engage communities on issues affecting them. This lack of vision and commitment has led to deep disillusionment within our ranks and among the people we are meant to serve.
The state of disarray within the REC has not only affected internal organisational matters but has also spilled over into the governance of municipalities in the region. Political infighting and