By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
The African National Congress (ANC) has convened the National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg, East of Johannesburg.
The gathering is expected to serve as a key platform for the party’s top decision-making body to address the poor showing at the Local Government Elections and chart a way forward.
The ANC fell to about 31% in last week’s elections, down from 46% at the last municipal vote in 2021 and a new low for the once-dominant party.
The party is also grappling with speculation surrounding President Cyril Ramaphosa, amid reports suggesting he is considering stepping down from his position.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu told reporters before a meeting of the party’s NEC meeting that “The president is going nowhere.”
“There is no pressure on the part of this leadership collective for the president to leave,” Bhengu added.
Former president Thabo Mbeki also criticised Ramaphosa over the ANC’s performance in the election, saying it would be right for him and other ANC leaders to resign.
The ANC is due to elect its next leader in December 2027, when Ramaphosa will make way after two five-year terms at the helm of the party.
Fullview also understands internal disagreements have deepened significantly among senior party officials as they prepare to confront several pressing political challenges.
Among the primary issues fuelling divisions within the party are ongoing difficulties in working alongside the Democratic Alliance (DA) within the Gauteng provincial government.
In addition, leaders are contending with internal fallout and differing views over the outcomes of the 2026 local government elections.
In many of the country’s major cities like Johannesburg no political party secured a majority, meaning coalitions will be needed to run the municipalities.
It is also understood Ramaphosa told ANC leaders to look into alternative coalition arrangements (such as with parties like ActionSA) rather than partnering with the DA in the city, stating that the ANC does not mind being in the opposition if necessary and that working with the DA has caused growing friction.