ANC KwaZulu-Natal convener Jeff Radebe has made a bold statement, asserting his commitment to removing any members who do not align with the party’s efforts to restore voter confidence. This comes as a response to the decline in voter support experienced by the ANC in the 2024 elections, where they only secured 16.99% of the provincial vote, a significant drop from the 54.22% obtained in 2019.
Radebe, alongside a newly deployed provincial task team (PTT) led by party secretary general Fikile Mbalula, is determined to rebuild and strengthen the provincial structure from the ground up. He emphasized the need to correct past mistakes and address issues of corruption and factionalism within the party.
The disbanding of the previous provincial leadership and the establishment of a 67-member PTT has sparked internal strife among members, with some questioning the timing of such drastic changes so close to the local government elections. However, Radebe remains resolute in his mission to restore confidence in the ANC among the people of KwaZulu-Natal.
The focus of the PTT will be on rebuilding municipalities and addressing the challenges faced by communities in the province. Radebe highlighted the importance of restoring confidence in municipal governance, the Ingonyama Trust, and the troubled Ithala Bank, which is facing liquidation. The team plans to engage with key stakeholders, including the minister of finance and the governor of the South African Reserve Bank, to find solutions to save the bank from insolvency.
In conclusion, Radebe’s leadership and vision for the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal signal a new era of accountability and transparency within the party. By prioritizing the needs of the people and working towards rebuilding trust and confidence, the ANC aims to regain its standing in the province and beyond.
