A tempest brews within the African National Congress (ANC) as the party gears up for a heated dialogue between its National Working Committee and the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Executive Committee. This pivotal meeting arises amid growing concerns regarding the steep decline in electoral support that has gripped the party, particularly in the wake of recent provincial elections.
The ANC’s national support has dramatically dipped from a robust 62% to a mere 39%, while in KwaZulu-Natal, the party has been reduced to a disheartening 17%. This downturn has largely been attributed to the rise of the uMkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP), founded by former President Jacob Zuma, which surged ahead to secure an impressive 45% of the votes in the province.
According to reports from Sunday World, the atmosphere inside the ANC is rife with speculation that the Provincial Executive Committee could face disbandment as a consequence of this devastating loss. Critics have responded to this suggestion by arguing that such a drastic measure would require accountability at the highest level, implicating not only provincial leadership but also national figures, including President Cyril Ramaphosa himself.
Internal sources indicate that President Ramaphosa expressed anger over a report presented by the Provincial Secretary, which sought to highlight Zuma’s lingering popularity as a key reason for the ANC’s declining support. Allegedly dismissing the report as mere praise for Zuma, Ramaphosa is under pressure to act decisively in the wake of these alarming election results.
Despite the setbacks, the ANC remains committed to revitalising its presence across the country. They have intensified their efforts through active campaigning in by-elections, recently showcasing a strong push in Thabazimbi, situated in Limpopo’s Waterberg region. Here, Ramaphosa addressed thousands, affirming that the ANC was regaining its footing.
“I have a positive sense that the ANC here in Thabazimbi is standing strong to win all the wards where we have fielded candidates,” he proclaimed enthusiastically. The President further stressed the importance of local economic developments benefiting communities, particularly highlighting the roles women and youth play in the envisioned growth.
As the ANC strives to reclaim its support and relevance in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond, the upcoming discussions are expected to unfold with tension, marking a critical juncture in the party’s future and its leadership’s resilience.