Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi now shares leadership under a reconfigured ANC structure as the party seeks to regain lost ground.
Lesufi’s Role Adjusted as ANC Restructures Gauteng Leadership
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has seen his authority recalibrated as the African National Congress (ANC) National Working Committee (NWC) introduces a task team to oversee the province. The decision follows the party’s poor performance in the 2024 elections, prompting a major leadership restructure to strengthen its presence in South Africa’s most populous province.
ANC Introduces Task Team for Gauteng
On Wednesday, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula confirmed that the Gauteng ANC would now operate under a task team with Lesufi as one of its convenors.
Other key figures in the new structure include:
- Amos Masondo – Co-convenor
- Notombi Mekgwe – Deputy Convenor
- Hope Papo – Provincial coordinator
- Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko – Deputy coordinator
- Tasneem Motara – Provincial fundraiser
The team will also be backed by a working committee to handle governance issues and lead the province into the local government elections.
Why the Restructure?
Mbalula emphasized that this was not a punitive move against Lesufi or the Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) but rather a strategic decision to revitalize the ANC’s strength in Gauteng.
“Gauteng holds immense historical and political significance… it was the centre of the struggle against apartheid and the host of the ANC’s headquarters, Luthuli House,” said Mbalula.
He also dismissed speculation about internal party conflict, reaffirming that the restructuring aimed at enhancing leadership effectiveness in the province.
Lesufi Welcomes New Role
Despite speculation that the changes signal a diminished role for Lesufi, the Gauteng Premier welcomed the decision, calling it an exciting challenge.
“The ANC will forever assign us tasks… and for me, it’s refreshing, exciting, and most importantly, it stretches our capabilities,” said Lesufi.
Mbalula also praised Lesufi’s leadership, reaffirming that the ANC has confidence in him despite rumours of tensions over succession and his stance on the Government of National Unity (GNU).
New ANC Gauteng Leadership: Looking Ahead
The new ANC Gauteng leadership is now expected to strengthen the party’s presence in the province ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The changes reflect the ANC’s determination to rebuild support following its worst electoral performance in 2024.
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