ANOTHER contentious chapter in the ANC power struggle will kick off in Mpumalanga.

This is expected to happen when President Jacob Zuma launches the Imvuselelo Campaign at KwaMhlushwa Stadium, Enkomazi, on Sunday.

The campaign, which aims to increase ANC membership beyond one million by 2012, pits party general secretary Gwede Mantashe against his arch-rival Fikile Mbalula.

Mantashe is charged with the wellbeing of ANC branches and membership.

But Mbalula's supporters argue that the Deputy Police Minister deserves more credit for swelling ANC ranks.

A Mpumalanga executive committee member said party structures were unimpressed with Mantashe.

Mantashe as the "face and engine" of the organisation has been blamed for failing to defend the provincial chairperson David Mabuza against the onslaught allegedly orchestrated by some disgruntled party members in 2008.

Sources in Luthuli House said Mbalula would also lead the ANC local government election strategy next year.