Eric Naki

Eric Naki

ANC Youth League chief Fikile Mbalula and KwaZulu-Natal health MEC Zweli Mkhize now hold critical positions in the party's subcommittees.

Also in the forefront is former trade unionist and finance MEC for Eastern Cape Enoch Godongwane.

The three are among new heavyweights in the organisation following the trouncing of President Thabo Mbeki by Jacob Zuma in the Polokwane elections last month.

Mbalula, Zuma's chief campaigner prior to his election as ANC president, was appointed head of the party's organisation building and campaigns, with Mkhize heading education and health.

Mkhize, who is credited with having delivered KwaZulu-Natal to Zuma, will also convene KwaZulu-Natal ANC deployees.

These and other decisions were taken at Monday's first ANC national working committee meeting, where new leaders of subcommittees and provinces were appointed.

Joel Netshitenzhe, head of policy in Mbeki's presidency and ANC strategist, has not been allocated a leadership role in the new structures.

Thoko Didiza has been replaced with Lindiwe Sisulu as head of the social transformation committee, while Baleka Mbete takes over from Mosiuoa Lekota, in the parliamentary political committee.