The ANC`s 51st National Conference was held at the University of Stellenbosch from 16-20 December 2002. The highest decision-making structure of the ANC, National Conference is held every five years. The 51st National Conference took place in the year of the ANC`s 90th anniversary.
The Conference was attended by 3,400 voting delegates. Of these, 90% were delegates from ward-based ANC branches. There were also delegates from other ANC structures and sectors where ANC cadres are deployed. The Conference was be also attended by observers from allied organisations in South Africa and fraternal parties across the world.