ANC Faces Turmoil Ahead of Lekgotla: Leadership, Election Setbacks, and Unity at Stake

African National Congress (ANC) heads to its much-anticipated Lekgotla this weekend, burdened by internal divisions, succession debates, and mounting pressure to address its declining electoral performance. Taking place in Kempton Park, Ekurhuleni, from Saturday through Monday, the gathering is poised to tackle some of the party’s most pressing challenges.

Topping the agenda is the contentious issue of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s potential replacement. This debate, already splitting the party into factions, has become a focal point of growing tension within the National Executive Committee (NEC). ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula recently confirmed that heated discussions marked the NEC’s recent deliberations, reflecting the widening cracks in the party’s unity.

The ANC’s internal discord deepened after the NEC decided to reconfigure the provincial executive committees (PECs) in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) following their dismal performance in the May 29 general elections. According to sources, this decision has exacerbated existing grievances among members and sparked allegations that certain NEC officials are using these moves to strengthen their positions ahead of the party’s 2027 elective conference.

Succession Debate Intensifies

While no official names have been submitted for Ramaphosa’s succession, insiders confirm that several senior figures are being positioned for the ANC’s top job. Deputy President Paul Mashatile is seen as a frontrunner, with Treasurer-General Gwen Ramokgopa, Gauteng Provincial Chair Panyaza Lesufi, and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane also being floated as potential candidates. Police Minister Bheki Cele and International Relations Minister Ronald Lamola are among other prominent names being discussed.

The succession debate has further fragmented the NEC, with allegations of opportunistic maneuvering by some members to dissolve PECs in favor of their own political ambitions. A source described the NEC meeting as “heated,” with accusations flying over accountability for the party’s worsening public image and electoral losses.

Government of National Unity: A Divisive Proposal

Adding to the ANC’s woes is the proposal for a government of national unity (GNU), a prospect that has unsettled both party members and alliance partners. The GNU has become a lightning rod for criticism, casting doubt on the ANC’s ability to maintain its dominance and renew itself in the face of declining voter confidence.

“The GNU is a bitter pill for many within the party,” said an NEC insider. “It’s being viewed as an admission of failure, and the timing couldn’t be worse given our upcoming internal leadership battles.”

Focus on Renewal and Socio-Economic Challenges

Despite the internal strife, the ANC insists that this weekend’s Lekgotla will prioritize the implementation of its Manifesto, with a focus on renewal and strategic solutions to pressing socio-economic challenges. These include poverty alleviation, corruption eradication, economic growth, and the improvement of basic service delivery.

“The Lekgotla is not just a meeting; it’s a defining moment for the ANC,” Mbalula said during a media briefing. “We must emerge stronger, more unified, and prepared to lead South Africa into a brighter future.”

However, this vision of renewal is clouded by the ANC’s ongoing struggles with corruption scandals and declining public trust. Key figures such as Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, Jeff Radebe, and Bathabile Dlamini are being considered to spearhead the reconfiguration efforts in Gauteng and KZN—regions seen as critical to the party’s survival.

A Crucial Weekend for the ANC

As the Lekgotla begins, the stakes could not be higher for the ANC. The party’s future hinges on its ability to navigate its internal divisions, address public disillusionment, and present a credible plan for renewal.

But with its leadership embroiled in heated succession debates and accusations of power plays, the ANC faces an uphill battle to prove that it can rise above its challenges and reclaim its position as South Africa’s dominant political force.

This weekend’s deliberations could mark a turning point—or deepen the fractures threatening the party’s cohesion. All eyes are now on Kempton Park as the ANC seeks to chart its course in the face of mounting uncertainty.