A bitter power struggle between ANC heavyweights Jeff Radebe and Mike Mabuyakhulu has paralyzed the party’s KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Task Team (PTT), jeopardizing efforts to rebuild the organization in this crucial electoral battleground.
Multiple sources confirm the PTT – established to heal factional wounds after the ANC’s poor electoral showing – has become an arena for political warfare. The conflict pits Radebe, President Ramaphosa’s seasoned lieutenant advocating top-down reform, against Mabuyakhulu, the former provincial chair pushing for grassroots-driven renewal through established networks.
“The PTT is now completely dysfunctional,” revealed one senior ANC insider. “Meetings descend into shouting matches about process violations and alleged sidelining of members.” The infighting has grown so severe that ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is preparing to intervene personally.
Political analyst Professor Bheki Mngomezulu warns the standoff reflects dangerous national fault lines: “KZN has always been the ANC’s heartbeat. If they can’t unite here during this crisis, it suggests existential problems for the party nationwide.”
The timing couldn’t be worse. The ANC faces unprecedented opposition in KZN from both the IFP and the newly-formed MK party, while internal splinter groups threaten to bleed more support. Provincial structures remain weak after years of factional battles and corruption scandals.
With the PTT’s reconstruction mandate stalled, some members are taking sides. “Radebe’s people accuse Mabuyakhulu of running parallel structures, while Mabuyakhulu’s camp claims Ramaphosa’s faction wants to purge provincial leaders,” explained another source.
As national leaders prepare their mediation effort, grassroots members express growing frustration. “We’re tired of leaders fighting while branches collapse,” said Durban ward organizer Nomvula Khumalo. “Either they fix this or we’ll lose what remains of our support.”
The ANC’s national leadership now faces its toughest organizational test since the 2022 Nasrec conference – demonstrating whether the party can reconcile competing visions for renewal or whether personal ambitions will destroy its chances of recovery in South Africa’s most populous province.
