Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has been re-appointed to head the ANC provincial leadership, as the party unveiled a new 45-member Provincial Task Team (PTT) to rescue the party from further electoral decline.
The move comes months ahead of the crucial 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE) and follows the ANC’s poor performance in the 2024 elections, where the party slumped to just 34% in Gauteng — its worst result in the province since democracy.
Rebuilding Credibility
According to the ANC’s secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, the new structure is a decisive intervention designed to restore discipline, accelerate renewal, and reconnect the ANC with frustrated communities. The African National Congress has been under pressure to rebuild its credibility after the 2024 elections.
The new PTT includes senior figures, factional heavyweights, and strategic loyalists, such as Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero. Lesufi will serve as Provincial Convenor, deputised by Mandla Nkomfe, while Sochayile “Socks” Khanyile takes over as Provincial Coordinator.
Key Roles and Responsibilities
The new structure has clear terms of reference to rebuild the organisation and provide strategic leadership. The key roles and responsibilities include:
- Provincial Convenor: Panyaza Lesufi
- Deputy Convenor: Mandla Nkomfe
- Provincial Coordinator: Sochayile “Socks” Khanyile
- Deputy Coordinator: Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko
- Fundraiser: Tasneem Motara
The restructuring follows months of internal turmoil and growing pressure over the party’s weakening support base in Gauteng. Earlier last year, the ANC dissolved provincial leadership structures in both Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) following poor electoral outcomes.
As the ANC looks to the future, it is clear that the party has a long and difficult road ahead. With the 2026 Local Government Elections looming, the party will need to work hard to rebuild its credibility and reconnect with frustrated communities. For more information on the ANC’s history and structure, visit the African National Congress Wikipedia page.
