The majority of branches in KwaZulu-Natal failed to meet the required dates for properly constituted Branch General Meetings (BGMs), hence ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula urged the party’s structures in the province to reconvene the Provincial General Council (PGC). Luthuli House is increasingly worried about organizational instability in the biggest ANC province in the country, and this decision, which was communicated to provincial leaders this week, reflects that. An internal assessment revealed that some BGMs were illegal due to either failing to satisfy quorum criteria or submitting material outside of established timelines; thus, Mbalula stepped in to intervene, according to sources close to the process.
Once branches are compliant, the SG has mandated that the PGC, which was originally convened to review organizational, political, and administrative readiness, be reopened. Because of the persistent problems encountered by the Provincial Task Team (PTT), the ANC KZN’s plan for complete structural renewal is already under investigation; the reset is likely to further impede this process.
The PTT has failed miserably in relaunching crucial structures throughout regions despite being assigned to stabilise the organization and get it ready for a regional elective conference. The PTT’s performance is now anticipated to be closely examined in light of the upcoming February ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting.
There have been rumblings between senior NEC members regarding the PTT’s failure to meet its mandate, prompting discussions about possible dissolution, reinforcement, or extension of the body. One regional head, who preferred to remain anonymous, expressed the frustration of the branches regarding the PTT’s “administrative disarray” and conflicting guidance. Because of this, there is chaos on the ground, and the province must begin the process all over again.
According to the leader, it’s somewhat embarrassing considering our province’s size and history. It is anticipated that Mbalula will demand complete compliance prior to the implementation of any PGC, given his frequent calls for organizational rejuvenation and discipline.
Additional postponements endangering national political programs will not be tolerated, the SG has told the NEC. Experts in South African politics saw the order as proof of Luthuli House’s resolve to reclaim a province that has been a contentious ANC stronghold for a long time.
Dr. Nompumelelo Khumalo, a political analyst, stated, “KZN’s organisational challenges have national implications.”. “When structures are not stable, internal cohesion is also fragile, which impacts the ANC’s overall election stance.” The time it takes for the PGC to reassemble will depend on how fast the branches can resume the verification process, although it might be many weeks.
Until then, the February NEC meeting is crucial because it will decide the PTT’s destiny and the ANC’s path in KwaZulu-Natal. For the time being, the ANC in KZN must deal with the tried-and-true problem of starting over in order to regain credibility, unity, and organizational preparedness.
