The ANC in Gauteng has criticised leaders who are out of touch with their constituencies and not rooted in the party’s values and goals, saying this has resulted in declining electoral support over the years.
Briefing the media about a provincial task team lekgotla held in May 3-4, party provincial spokesperson Mzi Khumalo said the meeting noted the ANC was viewed as distant and inward-looking, and unable to be an agent of change and connect with communities.
ANC leaders including Gwede Mantashe and David Makhura have described the ANC as a “self-absorbed organisation” that is at war with itself, arrogant and out of touch with the people.
Khumalo said the lekgotla came at an important time for the party in Gauteng as it took to rebuilding, renewal and reconnecting with the people and restoring its leadership role.
In January, the ANC national executive committee “reconfigured” the replaced the KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provincial structures with provincial task teams in the wake huge losses of electoral support in the provinces in the 2024 general elections.
“There are ANC leaders who are out of touch with the constituency, not schooled in the values and goals of the ANC. Some leaders and members are unable to motivate and mobilise activists, civil society, supporters, and voters,” Khumalo said.
“The ANC has been on a continuous decline in support over the previous electoral cycles. The rebuilding and renewal programmes are therefore regarded as necessary interventions in this regard to change the tide.”
Khumalo said the ANC Gauteng task team at the meeting had reaffirmed and committed itself to its mandate pertaining to rebuilding and renewal of the organisation’s structures, among other tasks.
“It was agreed to build a strong organisation, particularly at ward and voting district levels, characterised by unity, discipline and service to communities,” he said.
He called delegates at coming regional conferences to ensure branches focused on renewal and recruitment of members, and engaging in community programmes.
Besides organisation building, the lekgotla also discussed issues relating to health; education; economic transformation; social transformation; peace and stability; legislature and governance; international relations and communications; and the battle of ideas.
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