African National Congress (ANC)

The African National Congress (ANC) has moved to overhaul its political leadership in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, demoting key provincial secretaries and deploying veteran leaders in a bid to stabilise its declining influence ahead of the 2026 municipal elections.

Reconfiguration of the ANC in KZN and Gauteng

The ANC’s National Working Committee (NWC) decided on Monday, 17 February 2025, that changes were necessary following the party’s dismal performance in the 2024 general elections. The ruling party saw its support in Gauteng drop to 34%, while in KwaZulu-Natal, it plummeted from 54% in 2019 to a mere 17% in 2024.

As part of its restructuring strategy, the ANC demoted two key provincial secretaries—Bheki Mtolo in KwaZulu-Natal and TK Nciza in Gauteng—to ordinary members of their respective provincial executive committees (PECs). In their place, the party has appointed veteran leaders Jeff Radebe and Mike Mabuyakhulu in KwaZulu-Natal, while in Gauteng, Panyaza Lesufi will share leadership duties with Amos Masondo and Hope Papo.

This reshuffle is part of a broader ANC strategy to revive its fortunes in provinces that were once its strongholds but have seen growing opposition strength due to dissatisfaction over governance, corruption allegations, and factional battles within the party.

Who Are the New Key Leaders?

1. Jeff Radebe (KZN Convener)
• A long-serving ANC member, Radebe previously held senior Cabinet positions, including Minister in the Presidency and Minister of Energy.
• Dropped from Cabinet in 2019, Radebe is known for his strategic thinking and deep knowledge of governance structures.
• His appointment is seen as an attempt to stabilise the ANC in KZN, where internal divisions have contributed to its decline.
2. Mike Mabuyakhulu (KZN Coordinator)
• A former deputy provincial chairperson, Mabuyakhulu has been reintroduced despite past legal troubles linked to a failed North Sea Jazz festival that saw R28 million in state funds misused.
• He was acquitted in 2023 and is seen as a capable administrator.
• His role will be to ensure that the provincial structures are managed efficiently ahead of the next elections.
3. Panyaza Lesufi (Gauteng Co-Convener)
• Gauteng’s Premier and the ANC’s provincial chairperson, Lesufi has been one of the more visible faces of the party in the province.
• He retains significant influence, despite some opposition within the ANC regarding his retention.
• His leadership will be complemented by ANC stalwart Amos Masondo.
4. Amos Masondo (Gauteng Co-Convener)
• A former Johannesburg mayor and current chairperson of the National Council of Provinces (NCOP).
• Masondo brings decades of experience in political management and governance.
5. Hope Papo (Gauteng Coordinator)
• A former ANC Gauteng provincial secretary, Papo is expected to return to the secretariat to help streamline party administration in the province.

Why Is the ANC Restructuring These Provinces?

The ANC’s significant loss of support in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal has been attributed to a variety of factors, including:

• Weak provincial leadership and infighting, which made it difficult for the party to deliver on governance priorities.
• The rise of opposition parties, particularly the MK Party in KwaZulu-Natal and ActionSA in Gauteng.
• Concerns over corruption, which led to growing disillusionment among traditional ANC voters.
• Coalition instability, with the ANC now relying on coalition governments in both provinces.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula had previously hinted at a leadership shake-up, stating that the party needed “stronger leadership” in provinces where its support had weakened.

The Ramaphosa-Mbalula Divide Over Gauteng’s Leadership

The decision to retain Panyaza Lesufi as Gauteng’s co-convener was reportedly a contentious one. ANC insiders suggest that while President Cyril Ramaphosa and Gwen Ramakgopa supported Lesufi’s retention, Mbalula was in favour of removing him.

This disagreement reflects broader factional battles within the party, with Lesufi and Mbalula seen as future contenders for ANC leadership once Ramaphosa steps down.

KwaZulu-Natal: A Key Political Battleground

KwaZulu-Natal has traditionally been a crucial province for the ANC, but its declining support has made it one of the most unpredictable political battlegrounds. The MK Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, has made significant gains in the province, directly challenging the ANC’s hold on its former base.

To counter this, the ANC has deployed Jeff Radebe and Mike Mabuyakhulu, both of whom have deep political experience in the province.

ANC insiders believe that Radebe’s loyalty to Ramaphosa will help consolidate the President’s influence in the province. Meanwhile, Mabuyakhulu is seen as someone who can manage internal party tensions.

How Will This Affect the 2026 Municipal Elections?

With the municipal elections looming in 2026, the ANC is under immense pressure to regain lost ground. These appointments indicate that the party is prioritising stability over popularity, relying on experienced leaders rather than younger, more radical voices.

Some analysts believe that the shake-up could:

• Help restore discipline and unity within the ANC’s provincial structures.
• Allow the ANC to rebuild its grassroots support through renewed engagement with communities.
• Provide the party with a stronger election campaign team in the build-up to 2026.

However, critics argue that the appointments represent a return to “old guard” politics, sidelining younger leaders who might have introduced fresh ideas.

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