The African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN), once a dominant force and pivotal in national politics and king-making within the ruling elite, is striving to reconnect with disillusioned voters ahead of the crucial 2026 local government elections. After a significant decline in support during the 2024 national elections—where the ANC’s share in KZN plummeted to 17.2%, leading to a coalition government led by traditional 1990s rivals, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP)—the party has reignited dramatic and substantial leadership changes to regain its foothold in KZN electoral politics.
In a dramatic response to these electoral setbacks, the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) disbanded the controversial and factional Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) and appointed a 67-member Provincial Task Team (PTT) in February 2025. This reconfiguration aims to address internal challenges and revitalize the party’s presence in the province.
The PTT is led by veteran ANC member Jeff Radebe as convenor, with Weziwe Thusi serving as the first deputy convenor and Sboniso Duma, the former provincial leader, as the second deputy convenor. Mike Mabuyakhulu has been appointed as the provincial secretary, with Nomusa Dube-Ncube, a former premier and experienced MEC, as his deputy. Nomagugu Simelane has taken on the role of provincial fundraiser.
However, several senior members of the PTT have previously been implicated in controversies:
• Jeff Radebe: The former Minister in the Presidency faced a scandal involving inappropriate communication with a junior staff member in 2017. He publicly apologised for his actions, acknowledging it as a moment of weakness.
• Sibusiso Ndebele: The former Transport Minister was charged with fraud, corruption, and money laundering related to an eNatis contract and R10-million direct payment to him, but was later acquitted.
• Mike Mabuyakhulu: The former MEC for Economic Development and Tourism was charged with corruption, theft, and money laundering involving R28 million, but was subsequently found not guilty by the Durban High Court.
The ANC’s Secretary-General, Fikile Mbalula, in Durban had stressed the urgency of the PTT’s mission, stating that the team has a monumental task ahead to recover lost ground and prepare for the upcoming municipal elections, and underscored the importance of unity and discipline among ANC members in KZN during this critical phase.
The formation of the PTT reflects the ANC’s recognition of the existential threat posed by declining support and the rise of opposition parties, notably the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, led by former ousted ANC president Jacob Zuma. Since its launch in December 2023, the MK Party has rapidly gained traction, becoming the third-largest party in parliament and drawing significant support in KZN, but was kept out of the provincial coalition government.
As the ANC navigates these challenges, the effectiveness of the PTT in restoring voter confidence and addressing internal issues will be crucial for the party’s prospects in the 2026 local government elections.
The big test ahead is a stronger leadership and millions of rands in the coffers through fundraising efforts and regaining its footing ahead of the 2026 local government elections.
Reconfiguration of Leadership: In response to the electoral setbacks, the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) disbanded the existing Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) in KZN, citing the need for a comprehensive overhaul. This led to the establishment of a 67-member Provincial Task Team (PTT) in February 2025, entrusted with revitalizing the party’s presence in the province.
The ANC’s leadership acknowledges the formidable task ahead. Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula emphasized the “mammoth task” facing the reconfigured leadership in KZN, underscoring the necessity of rebuilding trust and support among the electorate.
As the 2026 local government elections approach, the ANC’s efforts in KZN will be pivotal in determining its future trajectory in the province. The effectiveness of the newly appointed PTT in addressing past shortcomings and implementing reforms will be closely scrutinized by both party members and the public.
As the national movement, the ANC is looking to judge the PTT’s performance and how the PTT could rise from the ground after losing out lost in the elections.
