ANC KwaZulu-Natal provincial secretary Bheki Mtolo has provided a pointed election analysis emphasizing former President Jacob Zuma’s enduring political dominance in the province while highlighting current President Cyril Ramaphosa’s challenges in gaining traction among voters. Mtolo’s remarks have ignited debates within the ANC as the party braces for the 2024 national elections.
Mtolo’s analysis underscores Zuma’s steadfast influence over grassroots structures in KwaZulu-Natal, particularly in rural and township communities. Despite ongoing legal battles and his retirement from active politics, Zuma remains a symbol of resistance against perceived political and economic marginalization, commanding loyalty from a significant segment of the electorate.
Conversely, the report paints a less favorable picture of President Ramaphosa’s standing in the province. It highlights his struggle to connect with KZN voters and build a meaningful support base. Mtolo reportedly noted that Ramaphosa’s reformist agenda, particularly his focus on anti-corruption efforts, has alienated certain ANC factions in the province, many of whom still regard Zuma as the party’s rightful leader.
This divide between Zuma’s grassroots appeal and Ramaphosa’s reformist stance has sparked concerns about the ANC’s prospects in KwaZulu-Natal, a critical province for the party’s national election strategy. Mtolo is said to have cautioned that failing to bridge these internal divisions could weaken the ANC’s performance in the region, jeopardizing its ability to secure a decisive victory in the 2024 elections.
Political analysts suggest that Mtolo’s observations reflect a broader tension within the ANC, as Zuma-aligned factions challenge Ramaphosa’s leadership. Some believe the analysis could serve as a rallying cry for a shift in leadership, particularly with the ANC’s national elective conference on the horizon.
The report has reignited internal debates over the balance of power between Zuma and Ramaphosa, who represent opposing wings of the ANC. While Zuma enjoys widespread support in KZN, Ramaphosa’s allies argue that his leadership is vital for the party’s long-term stability and governance.
As the elections draw near, the ANC faces a critical test: reconciling its internal divisions to present a unified front. Whether Ramaphosa can solidify his support in KwaZulu-Natal and counter Zuma’s lingering influence remains a pivotal question for the party’s future.
