Regaining support lost in previous elections tops the ANC agenda in KZN as it prepares to elect new leaders in July.
In the race are the incumbent provincial chair Sihle Zikalala, treasurer Nomusa Dube-Ncube and Siboniso Duma, a member of the legislature.
Zikalala told the Sunday Times this week that he would not discuss the leadership race until nomination processes were complete.
“My availability will be discussed with ANC structures. It's a strategic question that needs to be discussed internally — that process is starting and when it is complete then you can ask me about my availability,” he said.
Zikalala's backers, particularly from his region of General Gizenga Mpanza and eThekwini, believe he is the best choice for the ANC.
“He will need a strong, diverse (in age and skills) top five to work with because the ANC is in deep trouble heading to 2024, but of all the names being thrown around he remains our best bet — we will support him and are lobbying other regions,” said a regional secretary.
An activist from eThekwini who spoke on condition of anonymity said: “While KZN is a fairly young province in terms of its population, the ANC cannot win back northern KZN with the names being thrown around. Sihle has not done well in that regard either but he is better than all of them, provided we get him elected with someone from the Far North region.”
The Far North chair, Siphile Mdaka, is said to be under consideration, though not part of any slate yet. He is being touted as a possible top-five leader due to his “humility, organisational experience and strong leadership, including the respect he commands in northern KZN,” say Zikalala backers.
On the list of possible chairs without a slate is Nomusa Dube-Ncube. Her endorsement came early from the women's league in the province. Her chief lobbyist, Wiseman Ngobese, believes Dube-Ncube has the credentials and experience to take the province forward.
“What brings comrades together is that she has emphasised that we must engage as comrades of the ANC, not along factional lines but as comrades who want to build this province,” said Ngobese.
Those who support Duma say they are tired of being force-fed slates by lobbyists and have decided to make the province’s elective conference a true reflection of the will of the branches.
Melusi Mchunu, branch chair in eThekwini, told the Sunday Times it had become clear that the party faced a difficult time ahead of the 2024 elections.
“We can't speak of renewal and bring the same thing to people, renewal must be seen by the people. You must find relatable leaders who have organisational history of leadership and government experience. We approached Duma and told him that we see him as chair of the province who — should the worst happen and the ANC has to go into a coalition — has the capacity to engage with the opposition,” he said.
Even without the need for a coalition, the south coast-born and eThekwini-based Duma was a good choice to lead the ANC in KZN, Mchunu said.
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