ANC’s Reconfiguration of KZN and Gauteng Structures Signals Deeper Struggles for Unity

In a move aimed at addressing internal party challenges following disappointing election results, the African National Congress (ANC) has decided not to disband its structures in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and Gauteng, but instead to reconfigure them. This decision comes after the ANC’s significant loss of support in the 2024 national and provincial elections, a blow that has left the party grappling with the reality of a weakened base and heightened factionalism.
Reconfiguration or Reboot?
The ANC’s decision to reconfigure the leadership structures in these two critical provinces signals more than just a simple reshuffling of party officials. It’s a direct response to the party’s declining influence in two of South Africa’s most important political and economic regions. KwaZulu-Natal, historically a stronghold of ANC support, and Gauteng, the economic powerhouse of South Africa, have seen their loyalty to the party wane in recent years, with voters turning to opposition parties in increasing numbers.
Party officials have explained that the reconfiguration process is aimed at revitalizing the party’s grassroots structures, realigning the leadership, and addressing local leadership gaps that contributed to its poor electoral showing. However, the decision to not disband the structures outright points to the ANC’s reluctance to sever ties with influential party factions, despite mounting internal pressure for reform.
The Bigger Picture: ANC Struggling for Unity
While the reconfiguration of KZN and Gauteng’s structures may offer a temporary solution to the party’s woes, it also reflects the broader challenges the ANC faces in its pursuit of unity and rejuvenation. The party is at a crossroads, struggling to regain public trust after years of internal divisions, corruption scandals, and policy failures. Despite efforts to consolidate its power and adapt to South Africa’s changing political landscape, the ANC’s once-dominant grip on the country’s political system appears to be slipping.
At the heart of the reconfiguration discussions is the looming 2027 ANC Leadership Conference. This pivotal event will likely serve as the stage for succession talks, as party members and factions begin positioning themselves for the leadership contest. The ANC’s national executive will have to navigate an increasingly fractured party with competing visions for its future direction, even as the electorate grows ever more disillusioned with its ability to deliver on key promises, including job creation, infrastructure development, and the fight against corruption.
Succession Struggles and Factionalism
The reconfiguration of ANC structures in KZN and Gauteng is deeply intertwined with the leadership succession race leading up to the 2027 conference. As the party continues to lose favor with voters, factionalism within the ANC is intensifying. Different groups are already positioning themselves for leadership, with debates over the next party president and the direction of the ANC becoming more pronounced.
The fight for control of KZN, a province that has historically produced key ANC figures, has intensified, with factions within the province jostling for influence ahead of the 2027 conference. Meanwhile, Gauteng’s pivotal role as the economic hub of South Africa has made it an area of intense competition, particularly as the ANC faces growing opposition from the Democratic Alliance (DA) and ActionSA in the province.
The upcoming leadership battle is likely to be shaped not only by internal ANC dynamics but also by external factors, including the party’s waning electoral support, dissatisfaction with its leadership, and the rise of opposition parties.
As the ANC embarks on its reconfiguration process, many are asking what this will mean for the average South African. Experts have pointed out that the ANC’s internal struggles, including its failure to adequately address the issues that matter most to voters, such as unemployment, crime, and service delivery, may be compounded by the party’s inability to present a unified vision for the future.
For South Africans, this reconfiguration could mean more political uncertainty in the lead-up to the next election cycle. With factionalism undermining the party’s unity, many are questioning whether the ANC will be able to retain its position as the dominant force in South African politics.
Some analysts also warn that reconfiguration, without a clear roadmap for rejuvenating the party’s credibility and trust with the public, may only deepen the party’s internal divisions, rather than heal them. Ultimately, the party’s future may depend on whether it can effectively balance the demands of reform, stability, and unity in a rapidly changing political environment.
A Party at a Crossroads
The ANC’s reconfiguration of its structures in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng is a telling sign of a party in transition  trying to rebuild, regain support, and reassert its relevance in South Africa’s competitive political arena. But with the 2027 leadership race on the horizon, the party will have to navigate internal power struggles, the growing threat from opposition parties, and the pressing need for national reforms if it hopes to remain at the helm of South Africa’s political future.
For now, South Africans will be watching closely to see if the ANC’s reconfiguration strategy can lead to a renewed sense of unity and purpose or if the party’s internal divisions will continue to leave it weakened and vulnerable as the next national elections approach.