ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula faced significant pushback during a recent high-level ANC meeting, after his attempt to raise concerns about the influence of Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and key KwaZulu-Natal leaders, Bheki Mtolo and Sboniso Duma, reportedly fell flat.
According to party insiders, Mbalula entered the meeting with plans to address what he saw as the growing dominance of Lesufi, Mtolo (ANC KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary), and Duma (KwaZulu-Natal chairperson). However, his efforts were thwarted as the officials, who wield considerable influence in their respective provinces, resisted his accusations and questioned the motives behind his actions.
The gathering, intended to focus on preparations for the 2024 general elections and internal party unity, instead became a heated exchange, leaving Mbalula isolated. Sources suggest he misjudged the political support these leaders enjoy, particularly Lesufi in Gauteng and the KwaZulu-Natal duo, who command a strong following in one of the party’s most critical provinces.
“It was clear that Mbalula wanted to undermine these leaders, but the strategy backfired. There’s strong backing for Lesufi, Mtolo, and Duma, and Mbalula didn’t find the support he expected,” an ANC insider shared.
The outcome of the meeting may indicate deeper factional divisions within the ANC’s leadership as the party faces mounting pressure to maintain unity ahead of the 2024 elections. With Lesufi solidifying his position in Gauteng and Mtolo and Duma seen as crucial to ANC dominance in KwaZulu-Natal, Mbalula may face challenges in regaining influence among these regional powerhouses.
This internal conflict is expected to heighten tensions within the ANC, with factional battles increasingly playing out at the highest levels. While the ANC has yet to make an official statement regarding the reported clashes, the incident underscores the ongoing leadership struggles within the party.