The African National Congress (ANC) unveiled its newly appointed Gauteng Provincial Task Team (PTT) on Wednesday at the Midrand Conference Centre, under heavy police presence. ANC Secretary-General Fikile “Vutha” Mbalula led the announcement, which came amid threats of court action and protests against the party’s decision to reconfigure the provincial leadership.
To prevent potential disruptions, public order police units from across Gauteng, including Springs and Soweto, were deployed outside the venue. However, the anticipated protests did not materialize, and the proceedings proceeded smoothly.
During the two-hour meeting, Mbalula laid down the law to the PTT members, emphasizing the need for discipline and unity. He stressed that only the newly appointed convenor, Amos Masondo, co-convenor Panyaza Lesufi, and coordinator Hope Papo are authorized to speak publicly on behalf of the ANC in Gauteng. “Those things of 15 people speaking on behalf of the ANC, everyone saying what they want, are not going to happen again. It is done, the ANC must communicate in a tightly coordinated manner,” Mbalula declared.
Mbalula praised ANC branches and members in Gauteng for maintaining discipline despite disagreements over the leadership reconfiguration. He warned the new PTT members that anyone deviating from the mandate to revive the province’s branches or engaging in unbecoming behavior would be removed immediately. “If anyone is going to come with negative energy into this PTT and process, we will remove them. There is not going to be a ‘wait for the conference’. You will be gone immediately because clearly you do not want to be here,” he said.
The Secretary-General also addressed a circulating WhatsApp message threatening legal action against the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC). Mbalula assured that the party was prepared to defend its decisions “even at midnight” if necessary. “We have made it very clear to everybody here, if anyone is going to come with negative energy into this PTT and process, we will remove them,” he added.
In the new PTT leadership structure, former provincial secretary Thembinkosi “TK” Nciza was demoted to an ordinary member but retained a role as head of monitoring, planning, and evaluation. His former deputy, Tasneem Motara, was promoted to fundraiser, while the former deputy chair returned as deputy coordinator. Ntombi Mekgwe was appointed to deputize Lesufi and Masondo.
The announcement marks a significant step in the ANC’s efforts to stabilize its Gauteng structures ahead of the 2024 elections. With Mbalula’s firm stance on discipline and unity, the party aims to present a cohesive front as it navigates internal challenges and prepares for future political battles.
