The African National Congress (ANC) in Gauteng is gearing up to hold a media briefing to discuss key governance issues, including the ongoing water shortages plaguing the province.
This comes shortly after Fikile Mbalula, the ANC secretary-general, issued a directive to party members, particularly spokespersons, cautioning them against making any public statements regarding the anticipated leadership changes in both KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
Leadership Reconfiguration in Response to Electoral Decline
As previously reported, the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) has decided to reorganize the party’s leadership in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal after a significant decline in votes during the 2024 national and provincial elections.
The leadership shake-up is being led by Siboniso Duma, the chairperson for KwaZulu-Natal, and will be carried out in accordance with the party’s constitution.
Fikile Mbalula made it clear on Monday that this reconfiguration would involve both the dissolution and reinforcement of leadership positions, with changes expected in the top five leadership roles in both provinces.
Mbalula Assumes Responsibility for Public Communication on Leadership Changes
In a statement shared on social media, Mbalula emphasized that he is the only authorized spokesperson to speak about the NEC’s decisions related to leadership reconfiguration in these two provinces.
The matter is expected to be finalized next week after consultations with the national officials and the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
Despite the upcoming leadership shake-up, Mbalula reassured the public that the ANC would not interfere with government operations.
As a result, current government officials, including Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi and MEC for Transport and Human Settlements in KwaZulu-Natal, Siboniso Duma, will retain their positions.
ANC Gauteng to Address Key Provincial Challenges
In an official statement released on Wednesday, ANC Gauteng spokesperson Lesego Makhubela confirmed that the party would host a media briefing on Thursday, January 23, to focus on a variety of pressing provincial issues.
These include discussions on the back-to-school initiatives, the right to learn campaigns, and the province’s ongoing water challenges.
Additionally, the ANC will address the outcomes of the January 8 Gauteng Provincial Rally.
Will Panyaza Lesufi Challenge Mbalula’s Gag Order?
The ANC’s recent instructions to avoid public statements regarding leadership changes in the provinces have led to questions about whether Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi will defy Mbalula’s directive.
The political landscape in Gauteng remains tense, and observers are keen to see how the party’s leadership will evolve in the coming weeks.
This article was published on TDPel Media. Thanks for reading!
Share on Facebook «||» Share on Twitter «||» Share on Reddit «||» Share on LinkedIn