The African National Congress (ANC) has taken steps to strengthen its leadership framework through the election of Khusela Diko and Minister Thoko Didiza to the National Working Committee (NWC). The appointments were announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa on Sunday, 16 November 2025, during the concluding session of the party’s regular National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
Their election occurs through a formal voting procedure supervised by the ANC’s Electoral Committee, chaired by former President Kgalema Motlanthe, demonstrating the party’s ongoing dedication to transparent internal procedures. The two leaders occupy positions previously held by the late Tina Joemat-Pettersson and former minister Peggy Nkonyeni, who stepped down due to health reasons.
Ramaphosa highlighted that reinforcing the NWC is fundamental to the ANC’s continuous renewal initiatives, a program designed to enhance internal governance, improve organisational discipline, and rebuild public confidence. With the National General Council (NGC) set to convene in three weeks, the NEC’s decision is broadly regarded as a strategic measure to ensure that the party approaches the forthcoming policy and performance discussions with a strengthened leadership team.
Both Diko and Didiza possess substantial political and administrative expertise that they contribute to the NWC. Their arrival is anticipated to enhance the committee’s capacity as the ANC addresses urgent organisational challenges and prepares for an important phase of introspection and restructuring.
As the party advances its renewal agenda, the NGC is expected to serve as a vital forum for evaluating the ANC’s progress and identifying the internal reforms necessary to influence its future direction.