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.

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. 

Proponents of reforms argue that a more transparent and accountable system is essential to restore faith in the ANC’s leadership.

A senior member of the National Executive Committee (NEC) said some members within the party were reportedly advocating for radical shifts, including the controversial concept of an open ballot system. 

He said this proposal was led by some members of the ANC in Limpopo, KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga.

“Comrades are speaking about proposing this departure from traditional secret balloting and is viewed by some as a means to increase transparency and deter illicit practices like vote buying…However, this idea has sparked debate, with concerns about potential intimidation and further factional divisions,” the source said.

Limpopo ANC spokesperson in Limpopo, Jimmy Machaka, dismissed these assertions saying that the province had not had one meeting regarding the matter and would instead be meeting for a NGC workshop this week.

“That is very far from the truth…there is no such thing. We have not had a meeting regarding the NGC and what would be proposed.

“All I know is that we are going into a NGC workshop on the 6th of September for NGC documents and preparations. There is nothing at all about any ballot,” Machaka said.

Machaka could not be drawn to respond to whether the province would consider the idea of an open ballot. 

ANC MP and former KZN ANC executive Mdumiseni Ntuli said he was not aware of any discussions relating to election changes to its leadership structures.

“No, I have not been exposed to any discussion relating to how the ANC leadership gets elected and changes being contemplated in this regard,” Ntuli said. 

ANC Mpumalanga spokesperson Sasekani Manzini’s phone rang unanswered.

The NGC document itself points to the broader challenges facing the ANC, including the fragmentation of its traditional “motive forces” – the working class, rural poor, middle strata, women, and youth – who have historically maintained the party’s power. 

It highlights divisions within these groups and the growing apathy among young people towards formal electoral politics, with many not seeing the ANC as representing their interests. 

“Many young people are apathetic about formal electoral politics and do not see the ANC as fighting to improve their lives or representing them in government,” the document reads.

The document also directly links the need for renewal to the broader success of the NDR, which aims to address apartheid-era inequalities. 

It further asserts that “societal renewal cannot happen without national rejuvenation, the raising of the bar on the quality of leadership, and the pursuit of people-centred development that addresses inequality and restores dignity.” 

Furthermore, it states that the “renewal process must confront entrenched corruption, complacency, and factionalism that have weakened the ANC” and “must also cultivate a new culture of accountability, service, and principled leadership across all levels of the movement.”

Political analyst Dr John Molepo said that the debate over leadership election reforms would undoubtedly be a central feature at the NGC. 

“The party’s willingness to critically examine its own practices, particularly concerning leadership selection, will be a key indicator of the sincerity and potential success of its ambitious renewal agenda,” he said.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za

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