ANC National Executive Committee member Senzo Mchunu has raised concerns that the party is nearing collapse and requires immediate intervention to survive.
Speaking at a memorial event in Ngwavuma, KwaZulu-Natal, for late struggle veteran Nokuhamba Nyawo, Mchunu warned that next year’s local government elections will be critical for the ANC’s future.
“If we lose municipalities in the upcoming elections, the national elections could mark the end for us,” he said.
Mchunu compared the ANC to someone walking on the edge of a cliff, urging the party to regroup before it’s too late. He admitted that the ANC had become overconfident and lost touch with voters but believes there is still time to change course.
“People still love the ANC, but we took them for granted, and they punished us,” he said, adding that the party can still win back members who left for newer political groups.
Mchunu, currently on special leave due to corruption allegations, did not address the claims directly but said he would respond at the appropriate time.
Meanwhile, KZN ANC coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu said the party is working hard to regain support. He expressed confidence in the ANC’s ability to recover but acknowledged the need for self-reflection.
“We must blame ourselves for losing power and work harder to rebuild trust,” Mabuyakhulu said. He also dismissed the idea of coalitions, calling opposition parties like the IFP and DA “rivals, not friends.”
Local ANC leader Verus Ncamphalala pledged to win all municipalities in their region next year as a tribute to Nyawo, who sheltered anti-apartheid fighters in her home. The area, near Eswatini, was a key route for activists during apartheid.
The ANC currently does not control any of the four municipalities in the region, all of which are led by the IFP.