ANC vs Sunday Times
By Thabo Mosia
The African National Congress (ANC) has publicly dismissed recent claims that its National Working Committee (NWC) has stripped the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) of its powers. These allegations surfaced following a Sunday Times report, which stated that the PEC was effectively disempowered during the NWC’s recent visit to the province. The ANC has labeled these reports as misleading and inaccurate, emphasizing that no such drastic measures were taken during the meeting.
Background and Context
The controversy began with an article published by the Sunday Times on 25 August 2024, titled “Luthuli House strips KZN ANC of its powers.” The report suggested that following the ANC’s poor performance in the May 2024 polls, the NWC, under the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa and Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, had decided to curtail the powers of the KwaZulu-Natal PEC until further notice. According to the report, insiders at the meeting indicated that the PEC was barred from making any major decisions, including dissolving structures or altering leadership.
However, the ANC has vehemently denied these claims, asserting that the purpose of the NWC’s visit to KwaZulu-Natal was not to interfere or dismantle the provincial leadership but to engage with local structures to strengthen and unite the party in the region.
The ANC’s Official Response
In a statement issued by the ANC on 25 August 2024, acting National Spokesperson Zuko Godlimpi rejected the Sunday Times report as a “serious falsehood” and criticized the publication for relying on unverified sources. The ANC’s statement clarified that no powers were stripped from the KwaZulu-Natal PEC, and that the NWC’s interaction with the provincial leadership was part of routine engagements aimed at addressing challenges and improving the party’s performance.
The statement also pointed out inconsistencies in the Sunday Times report, noting that while the article initially claimed the PEC was stripped of its powers, it later included contradictory information suggesting that no such action had been taken. The ANC questioned the credibility of the so-called “insiders” cited by the Sunday Times, arguing that the conflicting accounts only served to confuse the public and undermine the integrity of the party.
Statements from ANC Leaders
Fikile Mbalula, the ANC’s Secretary-General, has been at the forefront of denying the allegations. During a press briefing in Durban, Mbalula emphasized that the NWC’s focus was on rebuilding the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal, not disbanding its leadership. He acknowledged that the party faced significant challenges in the province, particularly in the wake of its poor electoral performance, but insisted that disbandment was not on the agenda.
Mbalula further stated, “There might be those who wish for disbandment, but you don’t build by disbanding. Our goal is to strengthen the structures in KwaZulu-Natal, not to dismantle them” .
President Cyril Ramaphosa also addressed the issue, assuring ANC members in KwaZulu-Natal that the PEC would not be disbanded. He reiterated that the NWC’s visit was aimed at engaging with local structures to better understand the issues affecting the party’s performance and to chart a path forward .
Social Media Reactions
The allegations and subsequent denial by the ANC have sparked significant debate on social media platforms. Users on X (formerly Twitter) have expressed mixed reactions, with some criticizing the media for allegedly spreading false information, while others remain skeptical of the ANC’s assurances.
One user commented, “The ANC’s denial doesn’t add up. If there was no disbandment, why were certain decisions delayed until after the NEC meeting?” This sentiment was echoed by others who believe the ANC may be downplaying internal conflicts within the party. Meanwhile, supporters of the ANC have defended the party’s stance, accusing the media of attempting to sow discord within the ANC ranks.
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