ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has announced the new top six leaders of the party in KwaZulu-Natal, following the disbandment of the provincial structure due to poor performance in the May 2024 elections. Mbalula emphasized that a significant challenge lies ahead for the newly appointed leaders as they take on the task of rebuilding and revitalizing the party in the province.
The reconfigured leadership team includes provincial convenor Jeff Radebe, first deputy convenor Weziwe Thusi, second deputy convenor Siboniso Duma, provincial coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu, deputy coordinator Nomusa Dube-Ncube, and provincial fundraiser Nomagugu Simelane. Radebe, a former minister and head of policy for the ANC, will lead the team as they work to address the decline in support for the party in KwaZulu-Natal.
The ANC’s support in the province dropped significantly from 54.22% in 2019 to just 17% in 2024, resulting in a reduction of legislature seats from 44 to 14. The rise of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party posed a significant challenge to the ANC’s dominance in the region, leading to a coalition government led by the Inkatha Freedom Party.
Mbalula acknowledged the need for a more effective political strategy to counter the growing influence of the MK party. He emphasized the importance of matching their opponent with a faster and more dynamic approach to regain lost ground in the province.
The restructuring process has not been without controversy, with former KwaZulu-Natal ANC secretary Bheki Mtolo criticizing the move. However, Mbalula assured that Mtolo would remain involved in the party’s operations and would play a role in policy, planning, and monitoring.
The new leadership team’s mandate includes rebuilding relationships with traditional leaders and faith-based organizations to strengthen unity and social cohesion in the province. Mbalula highlighted the historical legacy of the ANC in the region and the need to draw inspiration from past leaders to guide the party’s renewal process.
The decision to restructure the KwaZulu-Natal province was finalized during an ANC national working committee meeting, with a focus on rebuilding support ahead of the 2026 local government elections. Mbalula emphasized the importance of overcoming internal disputes and factional battles to move the party forward.
Overall, the reconfiguration of the party’s leadership in KwaZulu-Natal is seen as a decisive intervention to strengthen the movement and restore unity within the party. The new leadership team will be closely monitored by national officials as they work to implement their mandate and rebuild support in the province.
