ANC National Spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri
By Thabo Mosia, Assistant News Editor
The African National Congress (ANC) has confirmed that its National Spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, has been placed on special leave with immediate effect. This announcement comes after Bhengu-Motsiri was granted compassionate leave in June 2024, following a family bereavement. The ANC, in a media advisory issued on Friday, 9 August 2024, which coincided with Women’s Day, stated that Bhengu-Motsiri will remain on leave “until further notice.”
In her absence, Zuko Godlimpi, a member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC), will continue to serve as the Acting Spokesperson. The ANC has not elaborated on the specific reasons behind Bhengu-Motsiri’s special leave, which has sparked speculation and discussions within political circles and on social media.
Compassionate Leave and Speculation
On 29 June 2024, the ANC first announced that Bhengu-Motsiri was granted compassionate leave due to the loss of a family member. The party extended its condolences to her and her family, wishing them strength during their time of grief. However, the latest development has led to growing concerns and speculation about her future within the party.
Social media has been abuzz with various opinions and rumours regarding Bhengu-Motsiri’s leave. One user expressed frustration, stating, “Mabavele bamyeke uZuko maan. ANC hasn’t had a robust spokesperson in a while. Pule was a shoutist clown, Mahlengi is too shy… uzifanela nje nam ingathi akathandi uthetha.” Another comment highlighted the timing of the announcement, questioning, “On Women’s Day mara?? Y’all don’t care anymore.” There were also claims that ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula had previously sought to remove Bhengu-Motsiri from her position, adding fuel to the speculation surrounding her leave.
ANC’s Communication Strategy Under Scrutiny
Bhengu-Motsiri’s leave comes at a time when the ANC’s communication strategy is under intense scrutiny. The party’s performance in the 29 May 2024 national and provincial elections was dismal, marking one of its worst electoral showings in history. The ANC lost its majority in several key provinces, including Gauteng, KwaZulu-Natal, and the Eastern Cape, which had been strongholds for decades.
This defeat followed a trend of declining support for the ANC in recent years. In the 2019 national elections, the party managed to secure 57.5% of the vote, a significant drop from the 62.2% it garnered in 2014. The 2024 elections further underscored the party’s struggle to maintain its dominance, with support dwindling to below 50% nationally.
The ANC’s loss in these elections has been attributed to several factors, including internal divisions, widespread corruption allegations, and dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of economic challenges and service delivery. However, the party’s communication strategy—or lack thereof—has also been highlighted as a key contributor to its poor electoral performance.
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