By Mogomotsi Motshegwe

AS THE African National Congress (ANC) in Frances Baard approaches its highly anticipated 9th Regional Conference next month, the political landscape is deeply fractured. Three factions are locked in a fierce contest for power (after all, politics is about power - who rules?), each driven by distinct interests that reflect broader struggles within the governing party. The battle is playing out not just in formal ANC structures but also on social media, where accusations of corruption and factional favouritism have become commonplace.

This conference is more than just a routine political event - it will shape the future of the ANC in the region and beyond, given that Frances Baard is the largest ANC region in the Northern Cape, with Kimberley as its political and economic hub.

Social media has become a platform for political discourse and for the ANC Frances Baard it is a battleground where supporters of different factions trade insults and accusations instead of sharing ideas. A disturbing comment I saw in these attacks is the claim that certain individuals have amassed wealth through ANC patronage and that their political loyalties are shaped by economic self-interest rather than ideological commitment. These accusations raise serious concerns about governance and the use of public resources. If key ANC leaders are more focused on enriching themselves and securing positions for financial gain, the real issues facing communities - such as unemployment, service delivery failures, and housing shortages - will remain unresolved.

An equally disturbing argument is the notion that certain individuals cannot lead the region simply because they come from smaller sub-regions. This is deeply problematic. By using this logic, they shift the conversation from focusing on abilities to further deepening divisions. How do you expect people who do not understand the ideology of the ANC to govern? - The ANC opposes any form of chauvinism. For example, the Northern Cape is not adequately represented in national politics due to such dangerous thinking. This logic implies that the Northern Cape could never produce the ANC president because it is a smaller province, which perpetuates a harmful narrative that undermines the potential of individuals based on their geographic origin rather than their capability. The modern growing province will remain a myth and a delusion to ANC members because of lack of ideological commitment.

A political powerhouse in the Northern Cape

Frances Baard is not just another ANC region, it is a political powerhouse in the Northern Cape. For the people of Frances Baard - like those living in Kutlwanong (known as Club 2000) who have been experiencing sewage issues for years or those young people in Phokwane who are unemployed or the community of Kimberley facing delivery failures - this conference directly affects them. As the biggest region, it holds significant influence in determining the direction of the party at the provincial level. The outcome of this conference will likely determine who gets access to key municipal positions, economic opportunities, and strategic influence. Moreover, the internal battles within the ANC will directly impact governance in the region. If the factional divisions remain unresolved, the ANC risks further alienating communities that are already frustrated by slow service delivery and deteriorating municipal governance.

The factionalism within the African National Congress Women’s League (ANCWL) adds another layer of complexity to the already fractured political landscape in the Frances Baard region. In the run-up to the 9th Regional Conference, the ANCWL is not free from power battles, which have become evident through the endorsement of only one female candidate, sidelining the other three women who are running for leadership positions. This move has further deepened divisions within the organisation, highlighting how factionalism within the ANCWL is being used as a tool to serve the interests of men in the region.

By endorsing a single candidate, certain factions within the ANCWL are essentially reinforcing a structure that continues to marginalise women and perpetuate gendered power dynamics within the broader ANC. This practice not only undermines the principles of gender equality that the ANC claims to champion but also risks alienating a large number of women who feel excluded from the decision-making processes that directly affect their lives. The ANCWL, which should serve as a platform for empowering women within the ANC, is being reduced to an instrument of factional agendas, where political loyalty to male-dominated factions takes precedence over the advancement of women’s rights and leadership.

Golden opportunity for opposition parties

For opposition parties, the chaos in the ANC presents a golden opportunity. In the 2024 elections, the ANC in the Northern Cape failed to obtain 50% of the votes, reflecting dissatisfaction and voters wanting an alternative. Local government elections are set for next year, and if the ANC continues to focus on fighting over positions rather than fixing governance issues, then opposition parties could make significant gains.

In places like Kimberley, where residents have been vocal about service delivery failures, opposition parties must position themselves as viable alternatives. They should capitalise on the ANC’s internal chaos and failure to provide service delivery by engaging directly with communities, offering clear policy alternatives, and highlighting how factionalism within the ruling party negatively affects service delivery. The opposition must not make the mistake of assuming that ANC factionalism will automatically translate into electoral gains for them. They must be proactive, organised, and strategic in their approach. By engaging with disgruntled ANC supporters, community activists, and younger voters who are disillusioned with mainstream politics, opposition parties can build momentum ahead of the elections.

The Frances Baard ANC Regional Conference will be a defining moment for the party in the province. If factionalism continues to dominate, it could weaken the ANC’s standing ahead of the 2026 local government elections. The people of Frances Baard need leadership that prioritises service delivery, economic development, and community upliftment - not just power struggles and factional battles. Whether the ANC can rise above its internal conflicts remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: opposition parties must use this moment to strengthen their campaigns and present themselves as credible alternatives to an increasingly divided ruling party in 2026.

* Mogomotsi Motshegwe is currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Political Science at the University of Pretoria, focusing on the rise of right-wing populism in South Africa. He is a Public Service Fellow at Futurelect and serves as a Youth Advisory Panelist for the United Nations Population Fund. He lectures in Political Science and International Relations and writes in his personal capacity.

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ANC Frances Baard Regional Conference: Battle of Factions