Following speculation that the African National Congress (ANC) Provincial Executive Committee (PEC) in KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) would be disbanded, KZN ANC spokesperson Mafika Mndebele said this would not happen and emphasised that it "is stronger than ever".

Mndebele emphasised that a recent visit by ANC deputy secretary-general Nomvula Mokonyane, alongside the National Working Committee (NWC), was not to disband the PEC, but was part of her secretarial duties to engage with ANC structures across provinces.

“The visit was only aimed to prioritise service delivery over internal organisational conflicts and as KwaZulu-Natal ANC we are stronger and united, away from the rumours being rendered,” Mndebele said.

Mokonyane is a former Minister of Water and Sanitation. The Zondo Commission also recommended that she be prosecuted for corruption.

Among the matters discussed during the NWC’s visit was the issue of the R2-billion KZN water and sanitation programme, the KZN water crisis and sewage spilling onto beaches.

The water and sanitation department in the province attributed the sewerage problem to the persistent water crisis.

The visit also comes as an investigation into the National School Nutrition Programme was announced after reports of inadequate food supply at some schools in the province.

The probe will investigate the food distribution model and quality of food supplied to 5 444 recipient schools in the province.

“The NWC’s visit to KZN underscored the commitment to addressing critical issues affecting communities, with a particular emphasis on the water and sanitation programme. As a province, we are faced with a past marred by inadequate infrastructure and service provision, hence our leadership recognises the urgent need to rectify the wrongdoings of the past. By placing an emphasis on the water and sanitation programme, the NWC's visit highlights the party's dedication to ensuring that essential services are provided to all citizens, regardless of their location,” Mndebele said.