East London - “We have earned what you see, it has come out of hard work," says newly-elected Eastern Cape ANC chairperson Oscar Mabuyane.
Mabuyane was elected at a hotly contested conference in East London, coming ahead of his rival, Babalo Madikizela, who is also the provincial MEC of public works.
“When you are elected, you must rise to the occasion. We are bringing to the province a strong leadership. Our people in the Eastern Cape need change and opportunities. The issue in the province is development. We are also looking at giving our people a province that will give people of the Eastern Cape boundless opportunities. It is painful to watch our young people leaving this province for greener pastures," Mabuyane said.
Madikizela congratulated Mabuyane and his collective leadership following the results.
“The ANC has once again run a peaceful and successful conference," he said.
Madikizela encouraged his supporters to “continue to support the new leadership and work towards uniting the ANC”.
Independent socio-economic commentator Dr Bhasela Yalezo said when compared to Madikizela, Mabuyane was “more senior” in many ways.
“He has served in many structures of the ANC. Being MEC of economic development under premier Phumulo Masualle and ultimately being the premier in the province makes a stronger candidate to his competitor. Madikizela is a 'rising star' and has served in a municipality before appointed PEC treasury and MEC of public works. He has, however, not extinguished himself as an exceptional leader or administrator, and his name being mentioned in the Winnie Mandela funeral scandal and other tender shenanigans is a serious weakness on him.”
Cape Times