The African National Congress (ANC) is facing growing uncertainty as Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has summoned provincial leaders from Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) for an urgent meeting. This follows the party’s disappointing performance in the May 29 elections, sparking speculation that the Provincial Executive Committees (PECs) in these provinces could be disbanded.
Election Setbacks in Key Provinces
The ANC suffered a dramatic drop in support during the recent elections, securing just 40% of the national vote. This marked the first time the party failed to achieve a majority, with KZN and Gauteng among the hardest-hit regions. KZN’s support plummeted to 17%, while Gauteng managed only 34%.
In KZN, the ANC faced stiff competition from the newly-formed uMkhonto weSizwe Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma. Concerns have arisen that the current provincial leadership may not be adequately equipped to counter this challenge in future elections.
Leadership Accountability Debate
Amid rising calls for a leadership overhaul, KZN ANC secretary Bheki Mtolo pushed back, insisting that the blame for the poor performance lies with the ANC’s national leadership, not the provinces.
“ANC nationally got 40%, meaning the NEC lost the country by 40%,” said Mtolo. “The NEC, led by Ramaphosa and Mbalula, must take that responsibility. Duma and I are taking full responsibility for losing the province to 17%.”
Mtolo’s remarks highlight deep divisions within the party as it navigates this turbulent period.
Upcoming Boksburg Meeting
Mbalula has called for a mandatory meeting of the PEC members from Gauteng and KZN, scheduled to take place in Boksburg. While the agenda has yet to be shared, the focus is expected to be on the post-election performance evaluations and the future of leadership in these key provinces.
This meeting is seen as pivotal for the ANC as it grapples with internal conflicts and strategizes for a comeback in future elections.
What’s Next for the ANC?
With speculation mounting over potential disbandments of provincial structures, the ANC faces the monumental task of regaining voter trust in its traditional strongholds. Whether this meeting will lead to meaningful reforms or further division remains to be seen.
