Ramaphosa expected to open ANC EC conference despite legal woes

President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to open the African National Congress (ANC)’s Eastern Cape provincial conference on Friday, despite a court interdict and more legal hurdles.

The ANC’s provincial leadership and national executive committee (NEC) members deployed to the province believe the judgment, which the party is appealing, won’t prevent it from moving ahead with the conference.

Party leaders said they are not in contempt of court and will ensure they abide by the court’s ruling that they sort out their internal disputes over branches before the conference.

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Eastern Cape Premier and provincial ANC leader Oscar Mabuyane said they’ve received legal advice to appeal the court’s decision.

Mabuyane said the conference has technically started with the registration of delegates from all over the province on Thursday.

He said that while they respect the court judgment, their appeal is essentially in effect.

“The legal team told us that if we put an appeal, an appeal is effective as you are recording it in court. So, we will wait for a date for that appeal to be heard.”

NEC member deployed to the province, Mamoloko Kubayi, said they won’t defy the order.

“We are not undermining any process; we are following the process to the latter.”

Mabuyane is seeking a third term as provincial leader and will lock horns with former ally and provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi.