Lulama Ngcukaitobi announces candidacy for ANC Eastern Cape chair
With less than two months before the Eastern Cape ANC provincial elective conference, current provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukaitobi has raised his hand for the position of provincial chairman.
The conference is scheduled to take place in March and lobbying and horse trading have started to intensify. The current provincial chairperson and Premier Oscar Mabuyane is said to be eyeing his third term, however, many branches are said to be pushing for the elevation of Ngcukaitobi to replace him.
On Sunday, Ngcukaitobi confirmed his availability for the position, if nominated.
“Yes indeed it would be very humbling to be nominated to lead the ANC in the Eastern Cape so I will accept the nomination,” said Ngcukaitobi.
One of his lobbyists, Silulami Ndinisa from the Mbashe sub-region under the Amathole region said many in his region have confirmed backing Ngcukaitobi to lead the province. He said for the deputy position branches want Fundile Gade who is currently the Education MEC. The Amathole region incorporates towns such as Butterworth. Ngcukaitobi is from the OR Tambo region while Ngade is from the Amathole region.
Ndinisa described Ngcukaitobi as a disciplined organiser with more than three decades of experience in the movement, having served across branch, regional, and provincial structures. He stated that he is known for his calm demeanour and consultative approach, and he is seen as a figure whose leadership style contrasts with the heightened factionalism that has characterised the movement in recent years.
“His political work is underpinned by a solid background in public service, he is a former educator in the Department of Basic Education. Ngcukayitobi gained firsthand exposure to the structural challenges facing public schooling, particularly in under-resourced communities. He later served as a director in local government, where he developed practical experience in governance, service delivery, and local economic development,” said Ndinisa.
If Mabuyane contests and wins, he would remain a political principal of the province but will not return to the Premier’s office after the 2029 general elections. He took his second term as the chairperson in 2022 in a chaotic conference which was marred by chair throwing and allegations of bogus delegates. Mabuyane became a Premier in 2019 and was re-appointed in 2024
Attempts to get Mabuyane or his close associates to respond were unsuccessful.
willem.phungula@inl.co.za