Overview
- The ANC in the Eastern Cape put its provincial conference on hold indefinitely on Saturday after both sides told the High Court the urgent contempt bid was no longer needed and Judge Murray Lowe removed it from the roll.
- The stop followed an interim order on Thursday by acting Judge Bolani Metuthe that barred the gathering until branch disputes were resolved and required full compliance with ANC rules and guidelines.
- Aggrieved members filed a contempt case naming Fikile Mbalula, Mmamoloko Kubayi and Oscar Mabuyane after leaders publicly indicated the event would proceed despite the order.
- The ANC has signalled an appeal of the interdict, though legal voices cited by SABC News said such interim orders bind the parties unless a court sets them aside.
- In contrast, Limpopo’s conference went ahead after a Friday ruling struck down an urgent interdict and delegates elected a unity slate unopposed led by Phophi Ramathuba, while Mpumalanga returned Mandla Ndlovu unopposed in a peaceful sitting.