ANC shake-up: Mbalula to announce key leaders for KZN renewal

Mbalula

Cape Town – The African National Congress (ANC) is set to announce a long-anticipated leadership reconfiguration in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) on Tuesday, as the party grapples with declining support in the province.

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula will make the official announcement at the party’s provincial headquarters, marking a critical step in the party’s efforts to regain lost ground ahead of the 2026 local government elections.

The decline of ANC in KZN

KwaZulu-Natal has long been a stronghold for the ANC, but the emergence of former president Jacob Zuma’s uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party has significantly weakened its grip on the province.

The MK Party has gained traction among disillusioned ANC supporters, particularly those who remain loyal to Zuma. This shift has alarmed ANC national leaders, prompting urgent interventions to restructure the party’s provincial leadership.

The party’s National Working Committee (NWC) has previously acknowledged that the ANC in KZN is facing an existential crisis, with some leaders admitting that a complete overhaul is necessary to rebuild trust and unity within the province.

What to expect from Mbalula’s address

Mbalula’s announcement is highly anticipated, as it will provide clarity on the party’s strategy for reviving its political fortunes in KZN.

His briefing, set for noon on Tuesday, will likely outline the composition of the new leadership team, the ANC’s roadmap for the province, and steps being taken to counter the growing influence of the MK Party.

With the 2026 local elections looming, the ANC is under immense pressure to stabilise its support base and address internal divisions.

The success of this restructuring effort could determine whether the party manages to reclaim KZN or continues its downward spiral in one of South Africa’s most politically significant provinces.

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