Newly elected ANC Regional Chairperson, Tsileng Sobuthongo, has called on members and deployees to put aside differences and focus on unity, renewal, and real service to communities, as the new leadership term officially begins following the 5th Regional Conference.
“The conference gave us a clear mandate,” said Sobuthongo. “This is the year of renewal – to make the ANC a more effective instrument of the people to realise the vision of the Freedom Charter.”
Sobuthongo warned of the economic impact of global shifts, particularly US tariff hikes, which he said threaten the Eastern Cape’s key sectors, including automotive manufacturing and agriculture in regions like Alfred Nzo. “These protectionist policies reduce demand for our goods, cost us jobs, and deepen poverty. We must respond locally with credible, innovative economic plans,” he said.
As August marks the start of Women’s Month, Sobuthongo paid tribute to South African women leaders like Lilian Ngoyi and Albertina Sisulu, calling their contribution “foundational to our democratic gains.” Quoting Thomas Sankara, he reminded members that “there can be no true social justice unless we commit ourselves to the liberation of women.”
Calling for an end to internal divisions following the conference, Sobuthongo said: “We differed on leadership, not on principles. The ANC must be the victor — not factions. Triumphalism and division must be defeated wherever they show their face.”
She committed the new leadership to convening all TROIKAs+1 within 10 days to build a responsive programme aligned with ANC policies and focused on hotspot areas ahead of local government elections. “Our decisions must serve the people,” she said. “Especially the unemployed youth and women who face inequality every day.”
Quoting Che Guevara, Sobuthongo concluded: “A cadre should serve the masses, strengthen ties with them, learn from them, and convey their aspirations in all platforms.”
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