Leaked ANC Recording Exposes Bitter Power Struggle After Nelson Mandela Bay Defeat

The African National Congress (ANC) is facing a fresh internal crisis in Nelson Mandela Bay after its disappointing performance in the local government elections triggered a dispute over regional leadership and the party’s next political move.

A leaked recording of a Regional Executive Committee (REC) meeting has exposed the depth of the divisions, with senior members exchanging heated words over regional chairperson Babalwa Lobishe’s decision to remove Siphiwo Tshaka from his duties as regional secretary.

The disagreement is unfolding as the ANC considers how to approach coalition negotiations in the hung metro. The party has been reduced to the second-largest political force in the council, leaving it with difficult choices about whether to seek a governing arrangement or remain in opposition.

According to the Sunday Times, two broad positions have emerged within the regional leadership. One faction, reportedly led by ANC National Executive Committee member Andile Lungisa, wants negotiations around a black caucus coalition to prevent the Democratic Alliance from taking power.

The other faction, believed to have Lobishe’s support, is said to favour either working with the DA or accepting a position in opposition.

The leaked recording captures the disagreement over Tshaka’s removal. One leader challenges the decision, arguing that the REC had not formally resolved to remove him and accusing Lobishe of presenting meeting outcomes inaccurately.

Another voice in the recording accuses the regional chair of attempting to bring the DA into government. Lobishe is also criticised over the turmoil within the organisation and blamed by some participants for the ANC’s poor election performance.

However, Lobishe has defended the intervention in a letter sent to ANC Eastern Cape provincial secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi on November 10.

She informed the provincial leadership that the REC had decided during its November 8-9 meeting to withdraw Tshaka’s functions and appoint his deputy, Nontombi Nama, as acting regional secretary.

Lobishe cited alleged weaknesses in organisational co-ordination and leadership, claims of factional activities being facilitated through the secretary’s office, and accusations that Tshaka made decisions without proper consultation.

She said the REC considered the situation a threat to organisational stability and effectiveness. The decision, she explained, was intended to restore co-ordination while the provincial executive committee considers the matter.

The election results have added pressure to the dispute. The DA secured 53 of the metro’s 120 council seats, while the ANC won 32, down from 48 in 2021. The EFF obtained seven seats and ActionSA two.

With 61 seats needed for an outright majority, the ANC’s internal divisions could complicate its efforts to agree on a coalition strategy.

Source: https://x.com/sundaytimesza/status/2120884876974985499?s=46

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