ANC NEC set to discuss problems within provincial structures

The African National Congress (ANC)’s National Executive Committee is meeting on Monday at the St Georges Hotel in Irene, outside Pretoria, to discuss burning issues plaguing the ruling party, including its provincial structures.

Top of the agenda will be issues around North West, KwaZulu-Natal, Free State and Gauteng’s upcoming elective conference.

The ANC will be looking at finalising the North West matter. This follows Supra Mahumapelo‘s decision to step down as North West Premier, after the province erupted into chaos with the community demanding for his removal.

Another burning issue for the party will be its battles in court in KwaZulu-Natal after it failed to hold the provincial conference, following a court interdict application from some of its members.

The ANC will also look into sorting out problems being experienced in the Free State, and plans around the Gauteng Conference where some members have raised disputes.

Analyst Ralph Mathekga says if the ANC fails to get co-operation from its provincial structures, it will have an adverse effect on its 2019 election campaign.

Mathekga says the ANC leadership needs to reign in some provinces.

“If you look at what’s happening within the ANC, you just don’t know exactly where power lies. So North West is a concern but not just North West, it’s all about the coherence of provinces as the ANC is also getting ready the elections.

“If the ANC cannot build coherence of leadership in those provinces it will mean that the branches of the ANC in those provinces will not be in a good position to campaign for the party. It is a disaster and the national leadership of the ANC cannot claim to be in charge if they cannot reign in some provinces.”