ANC focuses on organisational renewal, reforms amid decline in public trust

THE ANC plans to significantly revise its leadership election protocols as part of a party revitalisation initiative, following a substantial decline in public trust and recent electoral defeats.

- MASHUDU SADIKE

Against a backdrop of persistent allegations of vote-buying and factionalism, the proposed reforms, which include a suggestion for an open ballot system from some party members, are set to be discussed at the National General Council (NGC) in December.

In an NGC discussion document, the party acknowledges the dwindling public trust, evidenced by a historic decline in support and failure to secure a majority vote in recent elections.

While the document does not yet outline specific changes to how leaders will be selected, it heavily emphasises the need for an improved quality of leadership and a renewed commitment to ethical governance.

"Organisational renewal demands rebuilding the ANC’s discipline, integrity, capacity, and effectiveness as a movement that leads society,” the document reads.

It further stresses that "ideological renewal calls for reaffirming the values of the National Democratic Revolution (NDR), deepening political education, and decisively countering corruption, careerism, and factionalism."

Allegations of vote-buying and manipulation have plagued previous conferences, undermining the democratic legitimacy of the party's internal processes and contributing to public cynicism.