Kubayi Refutes Allegations of Inciting Contempt Over Halted ANC Eastern Cape Conference

Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development, Mmamoloko Kubayi, has issued a strongly worded rebuttal to claims that she incited contempt of court in the ongoing dispute over the African National Congress’s (ANC) Eastern Cape provincial elective conference.

In a media statement released today, Friday, 27 March, via the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, Kubayi described a letter sent the yesterday by the law firm Makangela Mtungani Inc. as “baseless and reckless.” The firm, acting for disgruntled ANC members who successfully obtained an interim interdict halting the conference, accused the minister of announcing that the event would proceed “regardless of the interdict.”

The conference, scheduled for 26–29 March in KuGompo City (East London), was interdicted by the East London High Court on Thursday following urgent applications citing irregularities in branch general meetings and delegate accreditation. Kubayi attended the proceedings in her capacity as ANC National Executive Committee convener of deployees for the province, not as a government minister or a party to the case.

Kubayi insisted her post-ruling comments simply reflected the ANC’s intention to proceed only if compliant with the court order, and she denied any suggestion of defying it. She condemned the firm for failing to verify facts and for circulating the letter to media and social platforms before formal delivery, calling the move unethical and aimed at tarnishing her reputation.

The minister also revealed that advocates Dali Mpofu SC and Thembeka Ngcukaitobi SC had reportedly signaled plans for a contempt application against her and ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. She described this as a “personal vendetta” rather than a pursuit of justice, noting she was never served with the order and holds no authority over the conference.

Kubayi affirmed her “unwavering respect for the rule of law” and said she would seek legal advice on the “defamatory” statements while defending herself through proper channels.

The ANC has filed for leave to appeal the interdict, while the conference remains on hold. The row highlights deepening tensions ahead of the party’s provincial leadership contest.