The African National Congress (ANC) is set to announce a significant decision regarding the future of its Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provincial structures. This follows a weekend National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg, where party leaders deliberated on how to respond to the provinces’ poor performance in the 2024 elections.
Gauteng and KZN, which are both key economic hubs in South Africa, saw dramatic losses in the recent elections, with KZN securing only 17% of the vote and Gauteng even less, at just 5%. In response, the NEC has been holding in-depth discussions to decide whether to disband or reconfigure the provincial executive committees (PECs) of these provinces. The ANC has indicated that maintaining the status quo is not being considered.
ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri highlighted that these discussions have been thorough, yet amicable. She stressed that the party does not have a clear track record of whether disbandment brings about positive or negative outcomes, pointing to mixed results in provinces like Limpopo, Western Cape, North West, and the Free State, which have also experienced restructuring in the past.
“Where there has been disbandment, if you look at the results, it’s a mixed bag of outcomes,” Bhengu-Motsiri said. “I think it’s always important to address the situation based on the specific circumstances and facts we have in each case.”
As the ANC considers its options, two possibilities are on the table: disbanding the provincial structures or reconfiguring them. Bhengu-Motsiri noted that the political and organisational dynamics in Gauteng and KZN are distinct, despite some shared characteristics. Both provinces are critical to the country’s economy and voter base, contributing significantly to South Africa’s GDP and national election results.
“What is common about them is the fact that these are the two largest economies in our country. They contribute substantial percentages to our national GDP, they are the most populous provinces, and they play a huge role in the national vote share,” she said, underlining the importance of focusing on these provinces as part of the ANC’s larger strategy.
While the discussions have been rigorous, Bhengu-Motsiri pointed to a positive sign: NEC members with differing views continued their dialogues even during breaks, reflecting a healthy, ongoing exchange within the party. She emphasized the importance of unity and mutual respect, regardless of the final decision.
“We must respect and abide by the decision made by the party, as it will be in the best interest of the ANC and the country,” Bhengu-Motsiri said, referring to the expectation that all members will honor whatever course of action is chosen.
The ANC has announced that its final decision will be revealed by midday on Monday at a media briefing at its headquarters in Johannesburg. Fikile Mbalula, the ANC’s Secretary-General, is expected to address the media and provide clarity on the resolutions of the NEC regarding the future of the Gauteng and KZN provincial structures.
This meeting will mark a pivotal moment for the ANC as it strives to regain the trust of South Africans and strengthen its organizational effectiveness in these critical provinces. The outcomes of these discussions will shape the party’s approach to governance and its electoral strategy moving forward.
