By Johnathan Paoli
ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has called for unity behind the newly elected Greater Tshwane region leadership and a renewed focus on rebuilding branches, after some of his reported allies emerged victorious in key regional positions.
Addressing delegates at the close of the 12th ANC Greater Tshwane Regional Conference on Sunday evening, Mbalula said he was encouraged by the peaceful conduct at the meeting, describing it as a practical sign that the party’s renewal drive was taking hold.
“We are pleased that the Regional Conference discharged its duty and delegates engaged in robust discussions that will contribute immensely in the rebuilding and renewal of our movement,” he said.
He said the successful conclusion of the conference marked an important step in stabilising ANC structures in Gauteng following a turbulent period of internal disputes.
The conference outcome significantly strengthened Mbalula’s standing in the province for his speculated 2027 bid for ANC president.
His allies Eugene Modise and George Matjila re-elected unopposed as regional chairperson and secretary, respectively.
Sam Mashola also retained his position as deputy secretary.
Contested posts saw Tlangi Mogale elected deputy chairperson and James Shelenge securing the treasurer position.
The results mean the regional top leadership is largely aligned to Mbalula, offsetting his camp’s recent setback in the Johannesburg region.
In his address, Mbalula urged delegates to move beyond factional battles and focus on organisational work, stressing that unity must now follow contestation.
“Discipline, cohesion and unity is a lived experience, not a convenience,” he said.
He added that those elected must be embraced as “commanders” tasked with leading the organisation back to electoral relevance.
He located the Tshwane conference within what he described as a difficult political moment for the ANC, following its poor results at the 2024 national and provincial elections.
According to Mbalula, reversing that setback would depend on rebuilding ANC structures “root and branch”.
“You cannot march to the communities and engage them politically and make them believe in the ANC if you don’t have structures. That task can only be fulfilled if you exist in every ward, every branch, year in, year out,” he said.
He highlighted practical service delivery issues such as fixing roads, eliminating potholes, ensuring access to water and improving basic services as critical to restoring public trust.
He warned that internal disputes, manufactured conflicts and court challenges had delayed conferences and weakened the organisation, saying that such “non-issues” distracted the ANC from its core mission.
“What will bring us back is our discipline, first in the organisation,” he said.
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