Security tightened as ANC gears up for EC Provincial Conference

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Eastern Cape Premier and ANC Provincial Chairperson Lubabalo Mabuyane says no form of violence or corruption will be tolerated at the ANC's 9th Provincial Conference in East London this weekend.

Mabuyane told the media on Friday that they do not want a repeat of the violence which broke out at the party’s previous conference in 2017 where he was elected provincial chairperson.

At least eight people were injured after a brawl broke out over who exactly was allowed to be in attendance at the conference.

Chairs were thrown and blood flowed during the fight in the conference venue.

During Friday's briefing, Mabuyane assured delegates that their safety would be guaranteed during the conference and that security had been tightened accordingly.

He also pleaded with delegates to behave properly but gave them the assurance that they would be free to express their views.

In a separate address on Friday morning, one of his rivals for the position of Provincial Chair, current Provincial Treasurer Babalo Madikizela, appealed to delegates to 'vote right' this weekend.

Some 1500 delegates will get to vote this weekend for either Madikizela, Eastern Cape provincial legislature deputy speaker Mlibo Qoboshiyane, or Mabuyane - who is eyeing a second term.

The Eastern Cape is one of the ANC’s largest strongholds and the outcomes of this conference will have a significant impact on the ANC national conference in December.