ANC Grants Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri Special Leave as Party Appoints Interim Spokespersons
ANC Communications Leadership Shift as Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri Takes Health-Related Leave
The African National Congress (ANC) has announced that its National Spokesperson, Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, has been granted special leave of absence to attend to health-related matters, prompting an immediate temporary reshuffle within the party’s communications leadership.
In a statement issued by the governing party, the ANC confirmed that two members of its National Executive Committee (NEC), Nonceba Mhlauli and Zuko Godlimpi, have been appointed to jointly serve as Acting National Spokespersons with immediate effect.
The move comes as the ANC seeks to maintain stability and continuity in its public communications at a time when the party remains under close scrutiny on a range of political and governance issues.
According to the ANC, the dual appointment is intended to ensure that the organisation’s messaging, policies and programmes continue to be effectively communicated while Bhengu-Motsiri focuses on her recovery.
“The African National Congress wishes to inform members of the media, stakeholders and the public that the National Spokesperson, Comrade Mahlengi Bhengu-Motsiri, has been granted special leave of absence to attend to matters relating to her health,” the party said.
The ANC added that Mhlauli and Godlimpi bring significant organisational experience and a strong understanding of the movement’s strategic objectives.
“This deployment will ensure continuity in the communication work of the movement and the effective articulation of ANC policies, programmes and positions. Both comrades bring considerable organisational experience and a deep understanding of the movement’s strategic objectives, and will jointly undertake the responsibilities of spokespersonship during this period,” the statement read.
Continuity at a Critical Time
The spokesperson’s office remains one of the most visible and influential positions within the ANC, serving as the primary channel between the party, the media and the South African public.
By appointing two senior NEC members to the role, the ANC appears focused on avoiding any disruption to its communications machinery while Bhengu-Motsiri is away.
The party has not disclosed further details regarding the nature of her health concerns or how long the special leave is expected to last.
ANC Wishes Bhengu-Motsiri a Full Recovery
The ANC also extended its support and well wishes to Bhengu-Motsiri, expressing confidence that she will return to her duties once her health improves.
“The movement looks forward to her return and calls upon all structures, members, supporters, media practitioners and stakeholders to afford the Acting National Spokespersons their full cooperation as they assume these responsibilities on behalf of the organisation,” the statement said.
As the ANC navigates another leadership transition within its communications team, attention will now turn to how Mhlauli and Godlimpi steer the party’s public messaging in the weeks ahead while one of its most recognisable voices focuses on recovery.
