The African National Congress (ANC) has instructed all regional secretaries to choose between their external employment and their party roles within the next 30 days as part of a major organisational restructuring ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
The move, regarded by party insiders as one of the ANC’s most significant administrative reforms in recent years, requires regional secretaries to dedicate themselves to party duties on a full-time basis. ANC leaders believe this will enhance discipline, accountability, and operational efficiency within regional structures that will play a key role in election campaigning.
According to party officials, the decision is part of a wider effort to professionalise the organisation and strengthen local branches that have been weakened by internal conflicts, electoral setbacks, and governance issues.
Regional secretaries are responsible for managing membership records, coordinating campaigns, and maintaining communication between local branches and provincial leadership. Concerns have reportedly emerged that many office bearers are unable to fully meet these responsibilities while holding full-time jobs elsewhere.
While some party members support the decision, arguing that dedicated full-time leadership is essential for rebuilding ANC structures before the 2026 elections, others worry it could lead to resignations and intensify existing factional tensions in certain regions.
The ANC has not yet clarified whether officials who choose to remain in their positions full-time will receive additional financial assistance to compensate for the loss of outside income.