Nobuhle Nkabane’s appointment as the ANC’s deputy chief whip in parliament in March 2026, just eight months after her dismissal as Minister of Higher Education and Training over allegations of nepotism and cadre deployment, has reignited concerns about the party’s approach to renewal, according to reports from The Citizen and other outlets. Despite extensive leadership training initiatives and public commitments from President Cyril Ramaphosa, critics argue that appointing former officials facing unresolved allegations contradicts the ANC’s renewal narrative.

Leadership Training And Restructuring Efforts

The ANC has prioritised leadership training as a key pillar of its renewal campaign, with over 125,000 party members completing leadership modules in the past year, David Makhura, ANC head of political education, confirmed in December 2025. The party also reconfigured its Provincial Executive Committees in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal in February 2025 in an effort to reinforce internal stability and strengthen organisational renewal, as stated by ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri.

In the Western Cape, a Provincial Task Team was set up in October 2025 to supervise restructuring and stabilise party structures. President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised the importance of renewal during the party’s 114th anniversary celebrations in January 2026, stating, “Our main task as the ANC is to renew ourselves, reposition ourselves, and make sure that all of us here feel that the ANC is contributing to the improvement of your lives.”

Concerns Over Recycling Of Leadership

Despite these renewal efforts, the appointment of Nkabane, following her removal due to serious allegations, has raised questions about the effectiveness and sincerity of the ANC’s drive to restore public trust. Reports from The Citizen highlight that such decisions may undermine the public’s confidence in the ANC’s willingness to tackle misconduct and reduce factionalism.

Observers note that the renewal process has introduced notable reforms, but warn that recycling leaders implicated in misconduct risks reinforcing perceptions of limited change within the party. Sceptics argue that a robust renewal strategy should prioritise accountability and transparency over rehabilitation of officials with unresolved allegations.

The ANC is expected to face continued scrutiny over future appointments and the practical outcomes of its renewal agenda as it seeks to rebuild trust among its supporters and the wider public.