By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa says the eThekwini region of the party has a responsibility to ensure that there is unity and stability in the region.
Ramaphosa was speaking during the party’s National Working Committee’s (NWC) weekend visit to KwaZulu-Natal. The visit is to discuss among others, party and governance issues.
Taking to the podium, Ramaphosa said the eThekwini region of the ANC has a responsibility to ensure that there is stability in the region. He also encouraged unity.
“So, I want to encourage you to continue leading this region through unity because when you do so as an important region in the province, you’re going to enhance unity throughout the province as well.”
Ramaphosa said the unity of the ANC in eThekwini has to be the primary objective.
The eThekwini region and its provincial leaders have fallen out with city manager Musa Mbhele. They said the regional leaders summoned Mbhele shortly before the municipality was placed under section 154, ordering him to step down from his position.
Section 154 of the Constitution allows national and provincial governments to use legislative and other measures to support and strengthen the capacity of municipalities to manage their own affairs and perform their functions.
The problems in KwaZulu-Natal come as the ANC faces its toughest election yet in 2024, with its support in the province slipping away.
National leaders are concerned that mounting issues in the province may affect the outcomes of next year’s elections, as the ANC has won only four of 12 by-elections, with the IFP and DA making inroads into previous strongholds.
Other issues include interference by provincial party leaders in the decision-making of the provincial Cabinet.
Also the Kwazulu-Natal ANC leadership was facing possible disbandment after reports of governance issues and political turmoil. In its assessment, the NWC will make a call on whether it would be prudent to disband the leadership or opt for a less drastic intervention.
The NWC will conclude its visit to the province on Sunday.