ANC vows revival in Western Cape after senior members join DA

The African National Congress (ANC)’s troubled Western Cape branch has suffered another setback with the defection of former provincial secretary Neville Delport and several others to the Democratic Alliance (DA).

The move comes amid internal turmoil following the national leadership’s recent decision to dissolve and 'reconfigure' the provincial executive committee elected in 2023, citing poor performance and declining voter support.

The spokesperson for the ANC Western Cape’s Provincial Task Team, Sifiso Mtsweni, has dismissed the defection as insignificant, emphasising that the party’s new task team (including veteran figures like Ebrahim Rasool, Mcebisi Skwatsha and Richard Dyantyi) is focused on reviving the organisation.

Mtsweni says the restructuring aims to rebuild grassroots structures and strengthen the ANC’s voice in opposition, acknowledging that the party has been 'quiet' in recent years.

"Based on the assessment of the national executive committee in the province, the decision has now been taken to say that you guys have been quite weak over the last few years. We've now taken a decision to say let's bring back the best of the best leaders with integrity, leaders that will be able to project the voice of the African National Congress."

Despite the losses, Mtsweni insists the ANC is regaining traction in parts of the province, vowing to 'take the battle right to the doorstep of the Democratic Alliance'.

The ANC, which has not governed the City of Cape Town since 2006 nor the Western Cape since 2009, believes the renewed leadership mix of experienced and younger members will help it reconnect with disillusioned voters.

To listen to Mtsweni in conversation with CapeTalk's Lester Kiewit, click below: