THE FUSE

By Celani Sikhakhane

Bheki Mtolo is among 67 members of the new task team. Many top party leaders lost their spots today.

Mike Mabuyakhulu is the new convener. He must prepare the ANC for local elections after the party lost KZN.

Bheki Mtolo has kept his place in the ANC KwaZulu-Natal leadership. The former provincial secretary is part of a new, smaller team chosen to lead the party.

ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula spoke at the Coastlands Hotel in Durban on Wednesday. He said the new provincial task team was cut from 80 members down to 67.

Mike Mabuyakhulu is the new convener in charge of the team. Bongi Sithole-Moloi is the first deputy convener and Sboniso Duma is the second deputy convener.

Mtolo stayed on even though many other big names were kicked out. Those who lost their jobs include former premier Dr Nomusa Dube-Ncube and former spokespersons Nhlakanipho Ntombela and Fanle Sibisi.

Former convener Jeff Radebe was also removed. Mbalula said the party failed to build branches or hold meetings under Radebe’s leadership.

The new team must now get the ANC ready for the local government elections. This is a big task because the ANC lost control of KwaZulu-Natal for the first time in 2024.

Critics blamed the leadership of Mtolo and Duma for the party’s defeat. They said the way the two men ran the province caused many members to leave and join the uMkhonto weSizwe Party.

The meeting on Wednesday included ANC members from all 11 regions. Mbalula is also expected to name new temporary teams to run those regions.

Pictured above: Former ANC Secretary Bheki Mtolo returned to the KZN leadership task team.

Image source: ANC