By Sihle Mavuso
An internal ANC report on regional task teams (RTTs) in KwaZulu-Natal paints a bleak picture of divisions, weak performance and alleged infiltration by the Umkhonto Wesizwe Party (MKP).
The leaked report alleges that some leaders in the Moses Mabhida region, based in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands, were working for the MKP, a breakaway party led by former president Jacob Zuma.
It says unnamed RTT leaders, while holding senior ANC positions, appointed branch task team (BTT) coordinators and conveners as “sleeper agents” for the MKP within ANC branches.
“The RTT is divided and struggling to be impactful on the ground. Some members are alleged to be working with MKP, currently appointing BTT (branch task teams) Coordinators and Conveners who are sleepers,” reads the report.
The Moses Mabhida region, anchored in Pietermaritzburg, was among areas where the MKP performed strongly in the 2024 national and provincial elections.
The party is expected to target municipalities including Msunduzi, Richmond and Mpendle in future contests.
In eThekwini, once the ANC’s largest and most influential region, the report said the RTT “dismally failed” to execute its mandate, with little or no work carried out.
The structure was subsequently disbanded and reconstituted, with Thabani Nyawose appointed convener and Thanduxolo Sabelo as regional coordinator.
“The RTT need to be reconfigured and be strengthened in order to carry out the elections program. The region needs energetic comrades. No work has been happening in the region since the appointment of the RTT,” the report noted.
The report also flagged divisions in the Josiah Gumede region, where members were said to be split over programme implementation ahead of a regional conference.
“The RTT meets as required but is divided towards programme implementation because of the forthcoming regional conference. Despite financial challenges, they implement programmes,” it said.
Similar concerns were raised in the Inkosi Bhambatha (Umzinyathi) region, where some RTT members were described as prioritising conference preparations over rebuilding structures.
“The RTT meets as required and there is very little that is happening towards programme implementation, with some members focused on the forthcoming regional conference more than reviving and rebuilding the organisation,” the report said.
In the Mzala Nxumalo (Zululand) region, where the ANC has struggled to gain ground against the IFP, the report found minimal activity and weak leadership capacity.
“The RTT meets as required and there is very little that is happening towards programme implementation. The RTT is weak and the coordinator is struggling due to lack of organisational experience,” it said.
In the Harry Gwala region, the RTT was described as functional but affected by internal disputes over branch leadership appointments.
“The appointment of BTTs and the election of the RWC were the main sources of conflict,” the report noted.
Challenges were also identified in the General Gizenga Mpanza (Ilembe) region, where leaders were said to be focused on an upcoming regional conference.
Provincial task team (PTT) spokesperson Sifiso Sonjica said RTTs had been appointed and inducted.
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