The African National Congress (ANC) has announced major changes to its Gauteng leadership structure, with Premier Panyaza Lesufi taking over as provincial convenor.
The move comes after the party removed veteran leader Amos Masondo from the position as part of efforts to strengthen the organisation in the province following its disappointing performance in the 2024 general elections.
Lesufi had already been serving as co-convenor after the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) reconfigured the Gauteng provincial executive committee (PEC) last year in response to the election results.
ANC Gauteng Leadership Changes Following 2024 Election Performance
The ANC suffered significant losses in Gauteng during the 2024 elections, forcing the party into a coalition arrangement in the province.
The coalition government now includes the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), marking a major shift in Gauteng’s political landscape.
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As part of the latest reshuffle, Masondo will remain involved in the party structures after being appointed as an additional member of the provincial task team.
Former Gauteng legislature speaker Ntombi Mekgwe has also been removed as deputy provincial convenor. She will be replaced by Sochayile Khanyile.
ANC Calls For Greater Service Delivery And Community Engagement
ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu addressed journalists at Luthuli House on Thursday following the announcement of the leadership changes.
“They have been given marching orders, including going to the ground, interacting with our counsellors, multiplying high-impact service delivery initiatives, such as what we are seeing as we are cleaning Johannesburg, and we’ve urged them to learn from those best lessons,” said Bhengu.
The ANC leadership overhaul is expected to play a key role in the party’s attempts to rebuild support in Gauteng ahead of future elections.
