ANC NEC Reins in Top Seven Over Coalitions

The ANC's national executive committee (NEC) recently met to address growing tensions with the party's top seven officials, who have been accused of sidelining the decision-making structure and taking unilateral decisions on critical matters. The meeting, which was attended by at least 20 members, saw senior members challenge the national officials over their actions. The top seven comprise party president Cyril Ramaphosa, his deputy Paul Mashatile, secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, national chair Gwede Mantashe, deputy secretaries-general Nomvula Mokonyane and Maropene Ramokgopa, and treasurer-general Gwen Ramokgopa.

The NEC members expressed frustration with the top seven's handling of the party's coalition strategy following the local government elections on November 4. The ANC failed to secure an outright majority in any of the eight metros, and members rejected a recommendation by the national working committee (NWC) that the DA be considered a strategic and preferred partner in municipal coalition negotiations. Several NEC insiders reported that members were particularly aggrieved that the national officials had failed to convene NEC meetings at crucial points during the election period.

The top seven's decision-making process was also criticized, with NEC members arguing that they had been stripped of their power to make decisions on behalf of the organization. One source stated that the NEC had directed the officials to speak to other parties to extend the government of national unity (GNU) last year, but this decision was ignored. Another source reported that senior NEC members were unhappy with the top seven's decision to extend a special NEC meeting to include Cosatu and the South African National Civic Organisation without consulting the NEC.

The ANC's failure to meet the deadline to submit candidate lists in six municipalities in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and Free State also came under scrutiny. Members questioned why the NEC had not been convened to deal with the matter. The discontent extended to what members said was the failure of the top seven to implement a previous NEC directive that they engage other political parties as possible partners in the GNU.

One NEC member reported that a senior leader, a health minister, had warned the top seven that they had to change their ways. The member stated that the leader said they would not ask the top seven to resign, but they must know that they cannot continue taking decisions by themselves. The NEC's tougher line was also apparent in its handling of the NWC report, which reportedly recommended that the DA be regarded as a "strategic ally" in local government.

The NEC rejected the recommendation, with members arguing that they did not regard the DA as a strategic partner. The committee's tougher line will fundamentally affect the ANC's coalition negotiations for hung councils, with the NEC making it clear that the negotiations team cannot conclude agreements or commit the party to any arrangement without first returning to the full structure for approval.

The team is expected to report back to the NEC after its engagements with political parties, with another meeting scheduled for Thursday or Friday to consider the outcome and provide further direction. One NEC insider stated that the committee's posture made it clear that the days of the top seven taking decisions and reporting back to the NEC afterwards were over. The party will now have to say, "Here's what we think, what does the NEC say?"

Key points

• The ANC's NEC has reined in the top seven officials over coalitions, rejecting a recommendation that the DA be considered a strategic partner.
• The NEC has asserted its authority, requiring the negotiations team to report back to the full structure for approval before concluding agreements.
• The party's decision-making process is expected to change, with the NEC to have a greater role in controlling every decision taken.