The African National Congress (ANC) is facing a critical juncture as it evaluates the future of its provincial leadership in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), two key regions for the party’s political and economic influence. Following a weekend of intense deliberations during the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, the party has narrowed its options down to two: either reinforcing the existing Provincial Executive Committees (PECs) or dissolving them altogether.
Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, ANC spokesperson, confirmed that after a thorough review, the party is no longer considering maintaining the status quo. The decision comes in the wake of disappointing electoral results, which have put pressure on the ANC’s standing in these vital provinces. Gauteng, which has seen a significant decline in support, and KZN, where the party’s share of the vote has dropped dramatically, are now at the forefront of the party’s strategic discussions.
The initial proposals, presented by ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, included three possible paths: disbanding the provincial leadership, strengthening it, or leaving it unchanged. However, after extensive debate among NEC members, the party has narrowed it down to just two clear options. Bhengu-Motsiri explained that the ANC leadership is now focused on either reinforcing the leadership structures with various solutions or completely dissolving them to make way for a fresh start.
This decision holds considerable weight, as Gauteng and KZN have been crucial to the ANC’s dominance since the party’s early years. The party has struggled in recent elections, with Gauteng’s vote share falling to just 36%, a sharp decline from the 53% it once enjoyed. Similarly, in KZN, the ANC’s voter support has plummeted to an alarming 17%. These losses have left the party questioning its approach in these provinces and searching for ways to regain public trust.
“We initially had three options. There are now two options: whether to reinforce the existing structures through a variety of solutions or to put the structures through a dissolution,” Bhengu-Motsiri stated. “Leaving these two PECs the same way is no longer an option. There were serious organisational and service delivery losses that must be addressed head-on. Therefore, we are left with these two options in terms of strengthening and rebuilding these provinces.”
The discussions surrounding the future of Gauteng and KZN PECs are part of the ANC’s broader renewal process, which seeks to rebuild the party and restore its standing across the country. Despite differences of opinion within the NEC, there is consensus that the party must act decisively to strengthen its structures and reassert its relevance. Bhengu-Motsiri emphasized that once the NEC reaches a conclusion, the party will inform its members before making any public announcements.
The outcome of this decision will have significant implications for the ANC’s political strategy in the upcoming elections. With the party’s support eroding in its traditional strongholds, it faces the challenge of rebuilding trust and enhancing service delivery to retain its grip on power in these provinces. As the party moves forward, the eyes of the nation are fixed on Gauteng and KZN, where the future of the ANC’s leadership will soon be decided.
