ANC Deploys Top Brass to Revive Its Ground Game in the Western Cape

In a strategic push to regain ground in the Western Cape, the African National Congress (ANC) has dispatched some of its most prominent leaders to the province ahead of several key by-elections. The deployment is aimed at reinforcing leadership, rebuilding local structures, and reconnecting with communities amid growing internal and external challenges.

The party’s top brass now stationed in the province includes Minister of Employment and Labour Nomakhosazana Meth, Deputy Minister of International Relations Alvin Botes, and Deputy Minister of Communications Mondli Gungubele. They are joined by senior NEC members like former ministers Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and Lindiwe Zulu, International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola, Water and Sanitation Deputy Minister David Mahlobo, and ANC Chief Whip Mdumiseni Ntuli.

This high-level deployment follows the ANC Western Cape Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) meeting held in Salt River on April 25 and 26. A special session on April 28 formally introduced the NEC members assigned to support the province in the run-up to the 2025 elections.

A Year of Renewal and Local Mobilisation

According to the ANC’s provincial statement, the PEC meeting served as a vital checkpoint to evaluate progress and gear up for “The Year of Renewal,” in line with the ANC’s broader goal of aligning its efforts with the principles of the Freedom Charter.

The immediate focus is on upcoming by-elections, especially in Ward 8 in Knysna and Ward 9 in Mossel Bay—both scheduled for June 25, 2025. The PEC has tasked the Provincial Management Team (PMT) Secretariat with coordinating efforts across the province. The Bergriver by-election date is still pending.

In preparation, the ANC plans to intensify grassroots engagement, with leaders fanning out to key regions. Special attention is being paid to the Victor Molosi Region, where the resignation of former Knysna Mayor Aubrey Tsengwa has left a political vacuum.

Tensions in Knysna and Organisational Weaknesses

The political atmosphere in Knysna has been strained further by reports of death threats against current Mayor Thando Matika. The threats, shared via voice notes circulating in local networks, have raised concerns about election-linked intimidation. The ANC has called for swift police action, confirming that an investigation into a case of intimidation is underway.

Internally, the ANC is also grappling with organisational issues in the Victor Molosi Region. Following the resignation of the regional chairperson and treasurer after the 2023 regional conference, and the ongoing suspension of acting chairperson Aubrey Tsengwa, the PEC has highlighted the urgent need for strategic intervention and renewal.

Strategic Visits and Listening Campaign

To stabilise and rebuild its structures, the Provincial Working Committee (PWC) will undertake targeted regional visits and community listening campaigns. This process has already begun in the West Coast region, where the ANC suffered by-election defeats. These visits aim to rebuild trust, restore operational coherence, and reignite grassroots support.

The ANC’s provincial leadership says this is about more than winning votes—it’s about restoring the party’s credibility, effectiveness, and relevance in communities where confidence has been eroded.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com