African National Congress (ANC) spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri has admitted that the ANC in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) was weak to withstanding challenges from political parties and not strong enough to regain its majority in the province.
The ANC’s National Working Committee (NWC) is convening with KZN leadership in Boksburg amid mounting pressure for the provincial structure to be disbanded.
The ANC in Gauteng is also under threat of being dissolved.
This comes after the ANC, for the first time since democracy in South Africa, lost the national elections.
The party’s support dropped to 40% in the May 29 national and provincial elections.
The ANC in KZN received 17% support, while Gauteng got 34%. The KZN lost the majority to uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party led by former president Jacob Zuma.
Bhengu-Motsiri told the media that the meeting was to discuss the way forward with the two provinces.
She said this will strengthen the KZN region, adding the decision will be communicated at the last ANC National Executive Committee (NEC).
“So in a nutshell, we are not strong in KZN and we are not strong enough to withstand several challenges that any political organisation faces. This is why we are embarking on this renewal exercise in KZN,” she said.
She stated that it was not just hounding KZN province.
“We are looking at all provinces to identify where we remain strong and solid but also where there are teething challenges.
“We do have other provinces that are of concern that we are looking at, but these two provinces it was necessary for us to do so.
“Science and logic will tell you that to be able to make it in any election, you need KZN, you need hounding,” Bhengu-Motsiri said.
She said it would be foolhardy for the ANC not to take real stock in terms of the party's electoral losses and its impact on the state of organisation in the province.
“So this is exactly the exercise we are embarking upon to strengthen KZN.
"There are various scenarios that are being looked at, and we will in due course, you know, outline what the decision is once the National Executive Committee meeting has taken place,” she said.
However, Bhengu-Motsiri condemned the KZN secretary Bheki Mtolo for his public utterances about the party leadership.
Mtolo called out ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa and secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, saying they should take responsibility for losing the elections.
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