The ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has firmly rejected efforts to dissolve its Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal branches, despite a strong push from Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. Sources within Gauteng’s ANC leadership say they are resolute in resisting the removal attempts.
“Mbalula tried hard to disband us, but his efforts will fail,” an insider from the Gauteng ANC revealed, highlighting the mounting tension between provincial leaders and the national office.
The confrontation unfolded in tense late-night meetings, where Mbalula presented a report, deemed “suspicious” by many, that suggested the party’s declining election performance. The document was intended to justify disbanding the influential provincial structures, but it failed to sway NEC members.
Party insiders revealed that these late-night lobbying sessions demonstrated the desperation of certain national leaders to push the disbandment agenda. Despite hours of attempts to persuade NEC members, most saw through the attempt.
The failed bid to oust these provincial leaders has reignited internal tensions. Gauteng ANC members argue that the move was motivated more by a desire for political control than any genuine effort to address electoral issues. They pointed out the timing of the report and the rushed late-night meetings as signs of questionable intent.
Gauteng leaders have disputed the accuracy of the election performance report, insisting it only told part of the story. Many suspect the report was crafted with the sole aim of justifying a takeover of the provinces.
KwaZulu-Natal’s ANC structures were subjected to similar pressure but successfully weathered the attempt to dissolve them. The failed plan now poses more challenges for the ANC’s national leadership, especially for Mbalula, who championed the disbandment effort.
This internal struggle comes at a precarious time for the ANC, with crucial elections on the horizon. Instead of focusing on unity, the party is now embroiled in internal conflict that could jeopardize its electoral prospects. The failed midnight maneuver has exacerbated tensions between provincial and national leaders.
Gauteng ANC members believe their resistance has strengthened their position within the party, using this victory to assert their continuing support, despite the allegations in the contested report.
The entire episode has exposed deep rifts in the ANC’s leadership and raised questions about the party’s ability to manage internal disagreements. For now, the Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal structures remain intact, proving that even well-planned political maneuvers aren’t always enough to prevail in the party’s internal battles.
