Following the disbanding of the African National Congress (ANC) provincial leadership in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga, task teams in these two provinces will have to ensure that provincial conferences are held.

This week, the ANC's national working committee (NWC) decided to dissolve the provincial executive committees in the Eastern Cape and Mpumalanga.

The two provinces have expired mandates, and the ANC constitution requires that a provincial conference be held every four years.

In Mpumalanga, the province last held a conference in December 2015, when former provincial leader David Mabuza was still at the helm.

The ANC in the Eastern Cape held a conference in October 2017.

ANC spokesperson Pule Mabe said in a statement on Thursday that provincial task teams will be mandated to ensure that provincial conferences will be held, and new leaders elected.

Mpumalanga was set to hold its conference on 11 March.

The ANC in the Eastern Cape was scheduled to hold its conference at the end of March. News24 understands that these two conference dates look set to change.

The task team appointed in the Eastern Cape will be led by Oscar Mabuyane, the former provincial ANC chairperson.

In Mpumalanga, the province's former acting chairperson, Mandla Ndlovu, will lead the provincial task team.

Leagues' expired mandate conundrum

The ANC has another expired mandate conundrum affecting two structures – the national task team of the ANC Youth League and ANC Women's League also have expired mandates.

ANC treasurer-general Paul Mashatile, who has been acting in the secretary-general's office, will have to make recommendations on the status of the two leagues.

Violence and candidate selection disputes

Mabe said the NWC was concerned about violence affecting its Mpumalanga, KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape members.

ANC councillors have been shot dead in these provinces in attacks suspected to have been linked to political meetings.

National ANC officials will visit the affected areas, Mabe said.

"The NWC underscored the need to strengthen the capacity to deal decisively and expeditiously with disciplinary matters and any manifestation of violence in ANC structures."

"The NWC requested the NEC sub-committee on peace and stability to be seized with these matters and the findings and recommendations contained in the report of the expert panel into the July 2021 civil unrest, including the impact of internal ANC problems on the security and stability of the country," Mabe said.