Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has reclaimed control of the troubled province after the ANC unveiled a new Provincial Task Team (PTT) in a bid to rescue the party from further electoral decline.
The newly appointed structure comes months ahead of the crucial 2026 Local Government Elections (LGE).
In a move announced late on Wednesday night, the secretary-general, Fikile Mbalula, introduced a 45-member Gauteng PTT packed with senior figures, factional heavyweights and strategic loyalists, including Johannesburg Mayor Dada Morero.
The move signals the party’s most desperate attempt yet to rebuild its credibility after its bruising 2024 election performance, where the ANC slumped to just 34% in Gauteng — its worst result in the province since democracy.
Mbalula described the new structure as a decisive intervention designed to restore discipline, accelerate renewal and reconnect the ANC with frustrated communities.
“The task team has clear terms of reference to rebuild the organisation and provide strategic leadership,” Mbalula said.
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.
Veteran leader Amos Masondo previously steered Gauteng’s interim leadership. He is now the additional member.
Lesufi will serve as Provincial Convenor, deputised by Mandla Nkomfe, while Sochayile “Socks” Khanyile takes over as Provincial Coordinator.
Social Development MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko becomes deputy coordinator, with Tasneem Motara appointed fundraiser in the high-pressure rebuilding campaign.
Khanyile replaced Hope Papo as the provincial coordinator.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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