By Nco Dube | 02 December 2024

The African National Congress (ANC) has been a cornerstone of South African politics since the end of apartheid, representing the hopes and aspirations of millions. However, recent developments have raised questions about its internal dynamics, particularly following the poor performance of its Provincial Executive Committees (PECs) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng (GP) during the 2024 general elections. 

The ANC’s National Working Committee (NWC) has summoned these PECs to discuss their future, leading to speculation about potential disbandment. This article explores the powers of the NWC and the National Executive Committee (NEC) according to the 2022 ANC constitution, assesses the likelihood of disbandment, and considers the implications for internal ANC politics and the Government of National Unity (GNU). Furthermore, it examines how the ANC can balance unity, accountability, and regaining lost ground.

The Powers of the NWC and NEC

The ANC’s internal structure is defined by its constitution, which outlines the roles and responsibilities of its various bodies. The NWC serves as the executive arm of the ANC between national conferences, responsible for overseeing party day to day operations, implementing NEC decisions and making decisions on behalf of the NEC. 

According to the 2022 ANC constitution, the NWC has the authority to summon PECs to address performance issues, leadership challenges, or other significant matters affecting party operations. The NEC is the highest decision-making body within the ANC between national conferences. It sets policy direction and ensures adherence to party principles. 

The NEC possesses the power to dissolve provincial structures if deemed necessary for maintaining party integrity and effectiveness. This authority is critical in times of crisis when leadership failures threaten the party’s electoral viability. 

The 2022 ANC constitution also outlines procedures for disbanding provincial structures, including consultations with affected members and thorough assessments of performance issues. These provisions aim to ensure transparency and accountability within party governance while allowing for necessary interventions when performance falls short.

Likelihood of Disbandment

The recent electoral results in KZN and Gauteng have prompted serious discussions about disbanding their PECs. In KZN, support for the ANC plummeted from 54.2% in 2019 to just 17% in 2024. Similarly, Gauteng experienced a significant decline from 50% to 36%. 

Such dramatic losses in traditionally strong provinces raise questions about leadership effectiveness within these regions. Sources within the NWC indicate substantial support for dissolving both PECs in favour of interim leadership structures that could revitalise party performance ahead of upcoming local elections in 2026. 

However, this proposal is not without risks. Disbanding these PECs could provoke backlash from their members, who may mobilise branches to challenge national leadership decisions. This internal conflict could escalate into a broader crisis during future ANC gatherings, such as the National General Council (NGC) scheduled for 2025.

Internal ANC Politics and Fallout

The summoning of KZN and Gauteng PECs reflects underlying tensions within ANC leadership regarding accountability and performance standards. Disbanding these committees could exacerbate existing rifts among factions within the party. 

Analysts warn that such actions may provoke strong responses from loyalists who feel marginalised or unfairly targeted by national leadership. The potential disbandment threatens party unity as different factions vie for influence over new leadership structures. This fragmentation may hinder efforts to present a cohesive front ahead of future elections. 

Additionally, it could impact voter perceptions of the ANC as a stable governing entity capable of addressing internal challenges effectively. The dynamics within the ANC also have implications for its role in the Government of National Unity (GNU). If internal conflicts escalate, it could affect collaboration with coalition partners and undermine governance efforts at various levels. Maintaining stability within ANC ranks is crucial for ensuring effective governance in a coalition context, especially as public confidence wanes following poor electoral results.

Balancing Unity, Accountability, and Regaining Lost Ground

In light of these challenges, how can the ANC balance unity with accountability while regaining lost ground? The answer lies in embracing transparency and fostering an inclusive environment that encourages open dialogue among members.

Promoting Transparency

Transparency is essential for rebuilding trust within the party and among voters. The ANC must openly communicate its intentions regarding potential disbandments or leadership changes while ensuring that members understand the rationale behind these decisions. By engaging with grassroots members and addressing their concerns directly, the ANC can foster a sense of ownership and inclusivity that strengthens party unity.

Strengthening Accountability Mechanisms

To address issues of accountability, the ANC should implement robust mechanisms that hold leaders accountable for their performance. This includes establishing clear performance metrics for BECs, RECs, PECs and all the way up to the NEC itself and regularly assessing their effectiveness based on electoral outcomes and community engagement. By setting high standards for leadership performance, the ANC can demonstrate its commitment to accountability while encouraging leaders to prioritise voter needs.

Engaging with Communities

Reconnecting with communities is vital for regaining lost ground electorally. The ANC must prioritise grassroots engagement by actively listening to constituents’ concerns and incorporating their feedback into policy decisions. Hosting community forums where citizens can voice their opinions will help rebuild trust in party leadership while demonstrating a commitment to serving public interests.

Fostering Internal Dialogue

Encouraging open dialogue among different factions within the ANC will be crucial for maintaining unity during this turbulent period. Establishing platforms where members can discuss their perspectives on party direction without fear of retribution will promote collaboration rather than division. By fostering an environment where diverse viewpoints are valued, the ANC can work towards consensus-building rather than allowing factionalism to dictate its future.

Conclusion

As South Africa navigates a complex political landscape marked by declining electoral support for the ANC, addressing internal challenges becomes paramount. The recent summoning of KZN and Gauteng PECs underscores pressing questions about accountability within party ranks while raising concerns about potential disbandments that could further fracture unity. 

By embracing transparency, strengthening accountability mechanisms, engaging with communities meaningfully, and fostering internal dialogue among factions, the ANC can balance unity with accountability while working towards regaining lost ground in South African politics. Ultimately, it is essential for all stakeholders party leaders, grassroots members, and voters to collaborate towards creating a stronger future for both the ANC and South Africa as a whole.

In theory, the ANC does possess the capability for renewing itself and regaining lost ground, but in practice it lacks the capacity and hasn’t shown any true will to rid itself of destructive tendencies including factionalism, corrupt leaders and non-delivery of public services.

(Dube is a Political Economist, Businessman, and Social Commentator on Radio and various newspapers. Read more of his articles here: www. ncodube.blog)