ANC Suffers Another Blow in Zululand as Regional Treasurer Nhlakanipho Sibisi Resigns

Nhlakanipho Sibisi, the Treasurer of the African National Congress (ANC) in the Mzala Nxumalo region of KwaZulu-Natal, has formally resigned from his position, further deepening the cracks within the party’s provincial structures. His resignation was tendered in a letter dated May 7, 2025, addressed to both the ANC Provincial Task Team and the Regional Secretary, Ntokozo Nxumalo.

NEWS: The Treasurer of the ANC in the Mzala Nxumalo region (Zululand) in northern KwaZulu-Natal has dumped the former governing party.

Nhlakanipho Sibisi dumped the party in a letter dated May 7, 2025, and it was addressed to the provincial task team and the regional secretary,… pic.twitter.com/XnncPEIurs

— Sihle Mavuso (@ZANewsFlash) May 7, 2025

The confirmation of Sibisi’s departure comes at a critical time for the ANC, which has been grappling with dwindling support in Zululand following the party’s sharp decline in the 2024 national elections. His resignation, political analysts say, is another sign of growing dissatisfaction within ANC ranks and may signal further instability ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

A spokesperson from the ANC’s Mzala Nxumalo regional office verified receipt of the resignation:

“Comrade Nhlakanipho Sibisi has submitted his resignation from the African National Congress (ANC). The matter is currently being discussed with the interim provincial leadership.”

While Sibisi has not publicly stated his reasons for leaving, insiders point to persistent factional battles and disillusionment with the party’s direction at both regional and provincial levels. These internal divisions have long been seen as weakening the ANC’s ability to present a unified front, especially in historically significant regions like Zululand.

The implications of Sibisi’s resignation could be far-reaching. As a key figure in the regional leadership, his departure may embolden others who feel marginalized or dissatisfied, potentially leading to further resignations or even defections to emerging political movements.

Sibisi has not yet revealed his next political move, and attempts to contact him for comment have been unsuccessful. Nevertheless, his resignation is expected to prompt urgent internal discussions as the ANC works to stabilise its structures and regain voter confidence in the lead-up to 2026.