The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal is facing a period of uncertainty and disarray following the decision to reconfigure the leadership in the wake of last year’s disappointing election results. The lack of transparency in the restructuring process has left many in the dark about who has been removed from the provincial executive committees (PECs) and what the future holds for the party in these key provinces.
According to sources within the ANC’s national working committee, there is confusion and frustration among officials driving the reconfiguration process. In KwaZulu-Natal, first deputy secretary general Nomvula Mokonyane reportedly told party members that they were not disbanded and would only see a few new faces added to their ranks. However, in Gauteng, second deputy secretary general Maropene Ramokgopa declared that the existing leadership was being reconfigured and instructed them to cease all activities until the new team arrived.
This conflicting messaging has led to uncertainty within the party, with some questioning the legality of the reconfiguration process. According to ANC insiders, the party’s constitution does not provide for reconfiguration, and unelected outsiders cannot be brought into provincial structures without first dissolving the existing ones. This has raised concerns that those who were ousted from their positions may have grounds to challenge the decision in court.
The removal of provincial secretaries Bheki Mtolo and TK Nciza in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng, respectively, has further fueled speculation about the motives behind the reconfiguration. While some key figures, such as KwaZulu-Natal provincial chair Siboniso Duma and Gauteng chair Panyaza Lesufi, have survived the shake-up, there are indications that legal challenges may be forthcoming from disgruntled party members.
Tempers reportedly flared during discussions about the reconfiguration within the national working committee, with ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe becoming agitated when members sought to debate the legality of the process. President Cyril Ramaphosa intervened to remind committee members to maintain decorum and professionalism in their discussions.
Despite rumors about potential new leadership appointments in Gauteng, there are doubts about whether these changes will be enough to rejuvenate the party and inspire voter confidence. Some within the ANC are skeptical about the ability of rumored appointees to make a meaningful impact in the provinces and turn around the party’s fortunes.
As the ANC grapples with internal divisions and uncertainty about its future direction in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, the party faces a challenging road ahead as it seeks to rebuild and regain the trust of the electorate. The coming days and weeks are likely to be critical in determining the party’s path forward and its ability to address the issues that have led to its recent electoral setbacks. The recent meeting on Tuesday left many members of the ANC in Gauteng confused and uncertain about the future of the party in the province. The decision to reconfigure the party structure has raised suspicions of factional battles rather than a genuine effort to rebuild and renew the ANC.
One source expressed their confusion, stating, “Even those who went to the meeting on Tuesday still can not make sense of what this is.” The removal of secretaries without clear communication has left many wondering if the provincial executive committee has been dissolved or not.
Another member of the provincial executive committee echoed the sentiment of being in the dark about the reconfiguration. They mentioned that the ANC had not communicated any details to them, leaving them to speculate about the motives behind the changes.
When asked about the possibility of taking legal action over the issue, the member dismissed the idea, stating, “What am I going to do in court?”
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri assured that the names of those involved in the reconfiguration would be announced in due course. However, the lack of transparency and communication from the party has left many members feeling frustrated and uncertain about the future.
As the situation unfolds, members are left waiting for a formal statement or letter from the ANC to clarify the reconfiguration process. Until then, they remain in the dark, unsure of what the changes mean for the party in Gauteng.
