The African National Congress (ANC) is grappling with significant electoral challenges in KwaZulu-Natal, where support has plunged to a historically low 17%. As the party’s National Working Committee convenes with the provincial executive committee, speculation about potential internal dissent grows, particularly regarding accusations that some members may be aiding the newly formed uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP). However, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri made it clear that the party is not inclined to pursue a witch-hunt against those suspected of disloyalty.
Bhengu-Motsiri addressed the media on the sidelines of the meeting, emphasising a democratic ethos that precludes the party from targeting its own. “Well, we have been made to believe that we are having people who we said to be working for the MK party. We are not really in the business of hounding people and second-guessing our own leaders and members,” she stated. Instead of resorting to punitive measures, the ANC intends to promote internal dialogue, allowing those disenchanted with the party to seek affiliations elsewhere.
The meeting aims to dissect the factors behind the ANC’s dwindling support in KwaZulu-Natal and other regions, with Bhengu-Motsiri acknowledging the challenges the party faces. “It would be foolhardy for the ANC not to take real stock in terms of our electoral losses and its impact on the state of the organisation in the province,” she remarked. The ongoing assessment is viewed as a crucial step toward fostering renewal and strengthening the ANC’s foundational support.
While the possibility of disbanding the Provincial Executive Committee looms, Bhengu-Motsiri reassured attendees that various scenarios are being considered to address underlying issues. “This is why we’re embarking on this renewal exercise in KZN, and I must say it’s not just in KwaZulu-Natal that we are looking at,” she noted. The ANC plans to evaluate its standing across all provinces, identifying both areas of strength and regions facing significant hurdles.
The party’s introspection comes amid growing concerns over its organisational integrity and resilience in the face of electoral losses. With a commitment to transparency and renewal, the ANC appears steadfast in its pursuit of rebuilding trust and revitalising its base, determined to tackle the challenges head-on rather than resorting to blame.