ANC
By Thabo Mosia
The African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) has resolved to reconfigure the Provincial Executive Committees (PECs) of Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) following significant electoral setbacks in the 2024 general elections. This decision aims to strengthen the party’s leadership and organisational capacity in these critical provinces.
Electoral Performance and Rationale for Reconfiguration
In the 2024 elections, the ANC experienced a marked decline in voter support. Nationally, the party’s share dropped from 57% in 2019 to 40% in 2024. The downturn was particularly pronounced in Gauteng and KZN:
• Gauteng: Support decreased from 50.19% in 2019 to 34.76% in 2024. 
• KwaZulu-Natal: The ANC’s share plummeted from 54.22% in 2019 to 16.99% in 2024, relegating the party to third place in the province. 
These declines have prompted the NEC to intervene, aiming to revitalise the party’s structures and restore public confidence ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
NEC Deliberations and Decision
During a two-day NEC meeting held at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni, the committee deliberated on the future of the Gauteng and KZN PECs. Initially, three options were considered:
1. Disbandment: Completely dissolving the PECs.
2. Reinforcement: Strengthening existing structures through various interventions.
3. Status Quo: Maintaining the current leadership without changes.
After thorough discussions, the NEC ruled out maintaining the status quo, narrowing the options to disbandment or reconfiguration. Ultimately, the committee opted for reconfiguration, aiming to bolster leadership without the disruptions that disbandment might cause. ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised that this process would be conducted within “the parameters of the ANC Constitution.”
Implementation of Reconfiguration
The reconfiguration process involves redeploying certain PEC members to different roles within the party structures and appointing new members to fill the resulting vacancies. For instance, in Gauteng, Premier Panyaza Lesufi may be reassigned from his current role while retaining his position as Provincial Chairperson, with another PEC member stepping in as Premier. Similarly, in KZN, strategic positions within the PEC will be realigned to enhance effectiveness.
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is expected to provide detailed information on the reconfiguration during a media briefing scheduled for Monday, 20 January 2025, at Luthuli House in Johannesburg.
Reactions Within the Party
The decision to reconfigure rather than disband the PECs has elicited mixed reactions within the ANC. Some members view it as a pragmatic approach to address organisational challenges without causing further instability. An NEC insider noted that while disbandment was seriously considered, the focus shifted to reinforcing the PECs to tackle issues head-on. However, concerns have been raised about potential dissent among branches and members who may oppose the imposed changes, emphasising the need for careful management to avoid setbacks.
Historical Context and Future Outlook
The ANC has previously disbanded PECs in provinces such as Limpopo, Western Cape, North West, and Free State in response to various challenges. The current approach in Gauteng and KZN reflects a strategic decision to strengthen provincial leadership through reconfiguration rather than dissolution. This move is seen as crucial for the ANC to reclaim lost ground and prepare effectively for upcoming elections.
As the party embarks on this reconfiguration process, the focus will be on rebuilding structures, enhancing service delivery, and reconnecting with the electorate to restore trust and support in these key provinces.
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