Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
22 January 2025 | 13:36 CAT
2-minute read

Picture: News24 Morapedi Mashashe/Gallo Images/Daily Sun

In a high-stakes deliberation over the weekend, the African National Congress (ANC) leadership engaged in extensive discussions about restructuring its provincial leadership, particularly focusing on Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), where the party faced a significant electoral setback in the 29 May 2024 general election. The meetings, which extended into Monday, have raised questions about the future of the party’s provincial structures and its strategy for regaining public trust ahead of the next elections.

Analysts suggest that the move is an attempt to find a leadership structure that can win back the confidence and support of South African citizens.

Speculation had been rife that ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula was advocating for decisive action in Gauteng, possibly targeting Premier Panyaza Lesufi’s leadership. However, President Cyril Ramaphosa offered a cryptic statement, emphasising that any decisions would adhere to the party’s internal processes and constitutional framework. The possibility of a complete disbandment of provincial structures, particularly in KZN, appears to have been ruled out. Analysts suggest that dismantling these structures would risk creating a power vacuum that could benefit rival factions, including the uMkhonto we Sizwe Party.

The nature of “restructuring” remains unclear, sparking debate over whether it involves changes in leadership roles, a reduction in decision-making powers, or other strategic adjustments.

Political analyst Professor Joleen Steyn Kotze, speaking on Radio Islam International, likened the current situation to the factional struggles of 2007, when the rivalry between then-President Thabo Mbeki and Jacob Zuma led to political instability and recalls of key officials.

However, she noted that today’s challenge extends beyond internal power dynamics—it is also about restoring the party’s credibility with the public.

“The African National Congress currently is in a very difficult position, both politically and also within the public imagination. We know that within the public imagination there is the sense of crisis of leadership within the ANC,” Professor Steyn Kotze explained, adding that there’s a widespread belief that leadership positions have been exploited for personal gain or to evade accountability, a sentiment reinforced by findings from the Zondo Commission. Any restructuring will have to balance political influence with administrative integrity while ensuring mechanisms for accountability remain intact.

As discussions on provincial restructuring continue, the ANC also faces a broader leadership succession debate. The question of who could replace President Ramaphosa is increasingly pressing. In public discourse, there’s a persistent question: if not Ramaphosa, then who? Says Professor Steyn-Kotze. She stressed that any future leader must not only unify the party but also craft a compelling developmental agenda to restore public confidence.

Listen to the full interview on Sabaahul Muslim with Moulana Sulaimaan Ravat.