The African National Congress (ANC), arguably the nexus of political life in South Africa, is under increasing pressure from history to undertake one of its most consequential internal reviews since its formation. Throughout its existence, it has carried the burden of leading society amid competing interests. What is becoming evident is that the structure designed to wage an anti-colonial struggle cannot remain unchanged in a governing context. As the central force shaping public policy, the internal efficiency of the ANC will continue to influence the stability of South Africa’s democracy.

While the CODESA settlement was grounded in a liberal democratic framework, the post-liberation rhetoric of the ANC has not consistently aligned with the constitutional order it agreed to uphold. The Constitution imposes liberal democratic norms on public administration, while the governing party’s ideological orientation has leaned toward a leftist paradigm, particularly in its transformation discourse. This tension places the ANC at the centre of competing ideological pressures, exposing it to significant structural and governance risks.

The success of South Africa as a state requires a recalibration of the ANC’s relationship with the institutional character of the state. Government functions through systems that demand coherence, predictability, and administrative integrity. Within the Government of National Unity context, the ANC, as a dominant actor, has an opportunity to translate its policies into governance outcomes. Given its influence over how political interests shape government, the ANC has effectively become an institution embodying primary public power, making its internal organisation a matter of national importance.

South Africa’s electoral system positions political parties as the foundational institutions through which executive authority is constituted. Parliament derives its legislative authority through this system, and the judiciary operates within this broader framework of state power. As a result, political parties become the primary sites of unregulated public power. Their internal dynamics have the capacity to either sustain or undermine democratic systems. The ANC, given its political weight, has therefore become a highly contested institution.

Historically, the ANC has functioned as a platform for articulating diverse grievances of the previously oppressed. The question now is how it can evolve to serve a governing role more effectively. Should its branch structures continue to play a central role in determining the country’s power architecture?

This question arises from a broader concern about whether the current political system is capable of producing leaders who meet the competency demands of modern governance. While the ANC may have been effective in producing political leaders over decades, there are concerns regarding its ability to consistently produce leaders with the required technical skills and knowledge.

The pathway to leadership within the ANC allows both capable leaders and opportunistic actors to rise. The influence of branch networks in determining leadership outcomes has created a system where patronage becomes a key mechanism for maintaining support. Leadership stability is therefore often contingent on the ability to sustain these networks.

These dynamics raise further questions about whether the current level of branch influence remains appropriate. Tensions between those who can effectively mobilise branches and those who rely on branches for support suggest the need for a deeper structural review of how influence is exercised within the organisation.

This invites a broader reconsideration of the ANC’s structure. Should there be guaranteed regional representation within the National Executive Committee? Should representation at regional, provincial, and national levels be standardised to ensure inclusivity and balance? Should voting mechanisms be restructured to prioritise institutional continuity rather than factional contestation?

If leadership selection were stabilised at its foundational levels, national conferences could return to their intended purpose as forums for policy development, rather than arenas dominated by leadership battles.

To address persistent leadership contestation, the introduction of a revised leadership model, such as a “Top Nine” structure, could be considered. This would expand leadership roles to include additional deputy positions and ensure representation across provinces. Such a model could reduce concentration of power while promoting broader inclusion within leadership structures.

There is an emerging recognition that meaningful government reform is inseparable from political reform. South Africa’s governance challenges are rooted in the way political power is organised and exercised. While the country operates within a geographically federal context, its political management often reflects a unitary approach, creating structural tensions. At the same time, the social foundations of politics remain susceptible to ethnic mobilisation.

These realities suggest that a comprehensive review of the ANC as an institution is not only necessary but urgent. The organisation’s evolution will have direct implications for the future of governance in South Africa.

This remains an open reflection.