ANC Deputy Secretary‑General Nomvula Mokonyane Sets the Record Straight
No “Motsepe Campaign” Inside the Party
Nomvula Mokonyane dismissed rumors of a secret “Motsepe campaign” within the African National Congress. She said the idea is a foreign concept that does not belong to the ANC’s way of doing politics. “We don’t have a Motsepe campaign, nor do we run personality contests. It’s not a beauty pageant,” she stressed.
Leadership Talk Is Not on the Agenda Right Now
Mokonyane explained that the ANC already has a process for choosing leaders, and the subject of who will lead the party is not a current focus. “That discussion only pops up in the media, not inside our structures,” she said. Instead, the party’s energy is directed toward strengthening its grassroots.
Focus on Local Government and Ward Candidates
The deputy secretary‑general highlighted that the ANC is concentrating on picking the best ward candidates everywhere—from Ward 1 to Ward 97. “We are fixated on fixing local government, reviewing the work of our councillors, and preparing for the next elections,” she added.
Reconfiguring KwaZulu‑Natal Structures
While visiting KwaZulu‑Natal, Mokonyane announced the overhaul of the Provincial Task Team (PTT). After evaluating the previous team’s performance, the ANC reduced the PTT from 67 to 36 members and appointed a new spokesperson, Sifiso Sonjica, replacing Fanle Sibisi.
What the New PTT Will Do
- Members will have specific duties, including a working committee and elections leadership.
- The team will support the ANC’s national renewal programme.
- National Executive Committee (NEC) members will oversee the PTT’s work without being part of it.
Renewal, Not Failure
Mokonyane rejected the notion that reshuffling the PTT signals failure. She reminded listeners that such bodies have a set lifespan, after which they are assessed and replaced. Many former PTT members have been moved to regional and local roles to keep rebuilding the party.
Looking Ahead to Local Elections
The ANC plans to use the district development model to improve cooperation between different levels of government and hold public officials accountable. Mokonyane said the party has learned from the 2021 losses and the 2024 election results, and will focus on fixing local government shortcomings.
Eastern Cape Stable
Regarding the Eastern Cape, Mokonyane said there is no crisis. The provincial executive committee remains fully functional because no conference has been called to adopt new credentials. The newly appointed task team there will prepare for local elections, rebuild party structures, and contribute to the national renewal effort.
Conclusion
Nomvula Mokonyane’s message is clear: the ANC is not caught up in secret campaigns or personality battles. Instead, the party is concentrating on grassroots work, strengthening local government, and preparing for upcoming elections through structured renewal and transparent processes.
