Magasela Mzobe, the Head of the Presidency for the MK Party, has sharply criticized ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, asserting that the ANC has “completely collapsed” in KwaZulu-Natal and needs to face the “painful political truth” about its decline.
Mzobe’s comments came in response to Mbalula’s call for the ANC in KZN to reconvene its Provincial General Council (PGC), a move that critics within the resurgent MK Party view as “desperation disguised as organizational discipline.”
During a speech on Wednesday, Mzobe rejected the ANC’s efforts to regroup, claiming the party lacks the grassroots support necessary to establish meaningful structures.
“Mbalula must acknowledge the harsh reality: the ANC is done in KZN. With only 17% support, where do they expect to find new branches?” Mzobe stated. “It’s pointless to hold a PGC when your political foundation has vanished. The people of KwaZulu-Natal have moved on.”
The MK Party, which gained significant ground in the province during recent elections, argues that the ANC’s historical stronghold in KZN has irreparably weakened. Mzobe pointed out that even traditional ANC bastions have switched their loyalty, leaving the party with mere “scattered remnants of a once-powerful movement.”
Mzobe contended that ANC leaders are in denial about the extent of their losses, opting to blame internal disarray instead of recognizing the clear message from voters.
“This is not about logistics—it’s a rejection of the party. The electorate has voiced their opinion loud and clear. Rather than forcing KZN structures to convene, the ANC ought to question why communities have turned away from them,” he remarked.
Political analysts note that the ANC’s internal challenges in KZN have intensified since the rapid rise of the MK Party. Efforts to stabilize provincial structures have faced ongoing setbacks, infighting, and declining morale among local organizers.
Despite these obstacles, Mbalula maintains that reconvening the PGC is crucial for reestablishing unity and direction within the provincial leadership. However, Mzobe feels this approach is out of touch with reality.
“You cannot revive something that no longer exists. KZN has chosen a new path, and no forced meetings will alter that,” he stated.
As tensions heighten between the ANC and the MK Party over political influence in KZN, analysts caution that the province may continue to be a contested landscape leading up to future national and local political contests.
Mzobe’s message to Mbalula is clear:
“The ANC must cease its pretense. Their era of dominance in KZN has ended.”
