The leadership of the African National Congress (ANC) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) is set to be replaced, party Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said on Wednesday.
Speaking on the third day of the ANC’s National General Council (NGC) in Boksburg, Mbalula described the Provincial Task Team (PTT), established in February to rebuild the party in KZN, as a disappointment due to its focus on positions rather than organisational renewal.
The reconfigured structure, formed after the ANC’s poor performance in the province, is led by Provincial Convener Jeff Radebe, deputies Wezile Thusi and Siboniso Duma, and Coordinator Mike Mabuyakhulu. Former Premier Nomsa Dube-Ncube serves as Deputy Coordinator, while Nomagugu Simelane acts as the PTT’s fundraiser.
Mbalula said, “We are not happy about our performance there. We thought we were bringing a Ferrari, but I think now that it is a Tazz that is operating there. KZN, we disbanded the structure because we are facing an existential crisis. People are busy fighting over who must lead, not the task we gave them. What do we do with such people? We put them aside.”
Mbalula also addressed speculation regarding Johannesburg politics, dismissing reports that newly elected Johannesburg Regional Chairperson Loyiso Masuku would replace Dada Morero as Mayor. He stressed that regional chairpersons do not automatically assume mayoral positions and criticised the focus on positions over party organisation.
“The task of the REC that has just been elected should be fighting to get the ANC back, not to get rid of Dada in a coalition government. The first thing people talk about is who must be the mayor. That’s the most important statement,” Mbalula said.
The comments come amid the ANC’s ongoing preparations for the 2026 Local Government Elections, with leadership renewal seen as a critical step in regaining political ground in KZN and Gauteng.
