National Executive Committee of the African National Congress

The National Executive Committee (NEC) of the African National Congress (ANC) is the party's chief executive organ. It is elected every five years at the party’s national conference; the executive committee, in turn, elects a National Working Committee for day-to-day decision-making responsibilities. At the NEC's head is the president of the ANC, and it also contains the other so-called "Top Seven" leaders (formerly "Top Six"): the deputy president, chairperson, secretary-general, two deputy secretaries-general and treasurer-general.

Composition
Members of the NEC must have been paid-up members of the ANC for at least five years prior to nomination, and at least half must be women. The NEC consists of:

The size of the elected NEC was increased to 56 members (including the Top Six) at the 48th National Conference in 1991, and then to 66 members (including the Top Six) at the 49th National Conference in 1994 – during apartheid, the NEC had been smaller and of a less consistent size, sometimes dropping below ten members. It was enlarged again, to 86 members, at the 52nd National Conference in 2007, which also introduced the gender parity requirement, and further enlarged again to its current size of 87 members at the 55th National Conference with the introduction of a 2nd Deputy Secretary-General.  Another significant change has been the extension of the term of the NEC from three years to five years, following the resolution of the 1997 50th National Conference to reduce the frequency of national conferences to twice a decade. 
 * The "Top Seven" (president, deputy president, national chairperson, secretary-general, two deputy secretaries-general, and treasurer-general);
 * Eighty further members;
 * Ex officio members, comprising two leaders from each of the ANC Women's League, ANC Youth League, ANC Veterans' League, and nine ANC Provincial Executive Committees; and
 * Up to five additional co-opted members.

Election process
Until 1985, members of the NEC were not appointed by election, but rather were appointed and seconded on a much more ad hoc basis, at the discretion of the leadership. In recent years, however, members of the NEC are elected by secret ballot at the ANC's national conference under clear rules. The Top Seven is elected separately, usually before the election of the rest of the NEC.

Nominations
Nominations for the NEC and Top Seven emanate from the local branch level. In the run-up to a National Conference, every ANC branch in good standing holds a branch nomination meeting, at which, provided it is quorate, it may nominate one individual for each of the "Top Seven" leadership positions and up to 20 individuals for the other 80 NEC positions. Nominees must receive the support of 50% + 1 members present at the meeting, and at least half of the NEC nominees must be women – if necessary, the names of the lowest ranked male candidates must be removed until gender parity is achieved. The official branch nominations are consolidated at a provincial general council meeting, and the 250 nominees who received the most nominations become the provincial nominees for the NEC. Gender parity remains a condition at the provincial level, and women nominees are upgraded on the list if necessary to meet it. The individuals who received the most nominations for the Top Seven positions become the provincial nominees for those positions.

At the National Conference, the lists of provincial nominees are consolidated, along with the lists of nominees from the leagues, which hold nomination conferences in the same way as the provinces. The availability of nominees to stand in the elections is confirmed, and all voting delegates are also allowed to propose additional nominations from the floor at the conference, although such proposals only succeed if 25% of delegates support them.

Campaigning
Although since 1994 the election of the NEC has often been preceded by considerable political manoeuvring, the ANC has a long history of valuing democratic centralism and collective leadership, and overt campaigning for internal leadership positions is frowned upon. This attitude is encapsulated, and promoted, in a discussion paper adopted by the National Working Committee in 2001 and reviewed in 2021, titled Through the Eye of a Needle?: Choosing the Best Cadres to Lead Transformation. The paper warns that "electoral processes" should not "tear the movement apart," and that"it is a matter of profound cultural practice within the ANC that individuals do not promote or canvass for themselves. Historically, this has justifiably been frowned upon as being in bad revolutionary taste."

Revolutionary Council
In 1969, while based primarily in Tanzania, the NEC established the Revolutionary Council, which focused on both political and military aspects of the internal anti-apartheid struggle. Notably, the Revolutionary Council included several leaders of the ANC's military wing, Umkhonto we Sizwe (MK) – this in a period in which the NEC was limited to blacks ("Africans") only, while MK leadership (and thus the council) included several whites, Indians, and coloureds, especially from the Communist Party. Although it was located under the NEC, the council had considerable power. From around 1976, it was responsible for two subordinate structures: the Internal Political Reconstruction Committee, focused on the South African political underground and internal propaganda, and MK Central Operations HQ, focused on internal armed struggle.

The Revolutionary Council was chaired by ANC president Oliver Tambo throughout its lifespan, and other members included (with approximate dates):

From around 1976, there was also a Revolutionary Council structure in London, chaired by Yusuf Dadoo and including Jack Hodgson, Ronnie Kasrils, Aziz Pahad, Reg September, and Solly Smith.
 * Yusuf Dadoo (1969–1983)
 * Peter Dlamini (1976–1983)
 * Steve Dlamini (1976–1983)
 * John Gaetsewe (1969–1976)
 * Joe Gqabi (1977–1983)
 * Chris Hani (1976–1983)
 * Joe Jele (1976–1983)
 * Moses Kotane (1969–1976)
 * Moses Mabhida (secretary 1970–1983)
 * Mac Maharaj (1977–1983)
 * Simon Makana (1969–1983)
 * Johnny Makathini (1976–1983)
 * Cassius Make (1977–1983)
 * Tennyson Makiwane (1969–1976)
 * Robert Manci (1976–1983)
 * J. B. Marks (1969–1972)
 * Andrew Masondo (1969–1983)
 * Jacob Masondo (1969–1983)
 * Joe Matthews (secretary 1969–1970)
 * Thabo Mbeki (1969–1983)
 * Joe Modise (1969–1983)
 * Ruth Mompati (1969–1976)
 * Florence Moposho (1976–1983)
 * John Motshabi (1969–1983)
 * John Nkadimeng (1977–1983)
 * Duma Nokwe (1969–1978)
 * Mzwai Piliso (1969–1983)
 * Godfrey Pule (1977–1983)
 * Robert Resha (1969–1976)
 * Jackie Sedibe (1969–1976)
 * Reggie September (1969–1976)
 * Gertrude Shope (1976–1983)
 * Sizakele Sigxashe (1977–1983)
 * Joe Slovo (1969–1983)
 * Bogart Soze (1976–1983)
 * Lennox Tshali (1976–1983)
 * Peter Tshikare (1977–1983)
 * Jacob Zuma (1977–1983)

Politico-Military Council
In 1983, the Revolutionary Council was replaced by the Politico-Military Council (PMC), which became "the executive arm of the NEC in relation to all matters pertaining to the conduct of the political and military struggle inside South Africa." This followed a meeting of all commanders and commissars in Luanda, at which concerns included the intensification of internal struggle and co-ordination between the military and political aspects of struggle, with greater political control envisaged over MK activities and strategy. The full PMC met monthly, while its executive committee or "secretariat" met weekly.

The 1983 restructuring also led to the establishment of other bodies under the NEC. At least two of these, the Political HQ (replaced by the expanded Internal Political Committee in 1987) and the Military HQ, fell under the ambit of the PMC and were represented in the PMC. ANC intelligence structures were also represented, and the PMC was responsible for coordinating the activities of these three wings. The PMC, like many other ANC structures, was dissolved before 1991 during the transition to democracy in South Africa, which brought the unbanning and return from exile of the ANC, as well as the de-escalation of MK activities.

Like the Revolutionary Council, the PMC was chaired by Tambo. Members included:


 * Chris Hani (1983–1990)
 * Joe Jele (1983–1990)
 * Ronnie Kasrils (1985–1990)
 * Moses Mabhida (1983–1987)
 * Mac Maharaj (1983–1990)
 * Cassius Make (1983–1987)
 * Andrew Masondo (1983–1985)
 * Joe Modise (1983–1990)
 * Ruth Mompati (1983–1990)
 * John Motshabi (1983–1990)
 * Joel Netshitenzhe (1985–1990)
 * Joe Nhlanhla (1983–1990)
 * John Nkadimeng (1983–1987)
 * Thomas Nkobi (1983–1985)
 * Alfred Nzo (1983–1985)
 * Mzwai Piliso (1983–1987)
 * Reg September (1983–1985)
 * Sizakele Sigxashe (1983–1990)
 * Joe Slovo (1983–1990)
 * Steve Tshwete (1985–1990)
 * Jacob Zuma (1983–1990)

The London-based PMC was led by Aziz Pahad and Wally Serote.

National Working Committee
Soon after each national conference, the newly constituted NEC appoints – at least in recent years, by election – a smaller National Working Committee (NWC), which implements NEC decisions and oversees the daily business of the ANC, including in the provincial branches and in Parliament. Some members are appointed full-time and have specific party responsibilities, while others hold other political offices. The NWC consists of:


 * The Top Seven;
 * Additional members, not exceeding one-quarter of the directly elected NEC (around twenty members); and
 * Three ex officio members, comprising one representative appointed by each of the ANC Women's League, ANC Youth League, and ANC Veterans' League.

As in other ANC structures, at least half of the members must be women. Other ANC members may also be invited to attend or participate as non-voting members.

Current members
The current NWC was elected on 29 January 2023, following the NEC's first meeting after the 55th National Conference. It will serve until December 2027. In addition to the Top Seven, the members are:


 * Mmamoloko Kubayi
 * Barbara Creecy
 * Enoch Godongwana
 * Tina Joemat-Pettersson
 * Zizi Kodwa
 * Ronald Lamola
 * David Mahlobo
 * Pemmy Majodina
 * Thandi Modise
 * Sibongile Besani
 * Stella Ndabeni-Abrahams
 * Mdumiseni Ntuli
 * Angie Motshekga
 * Senzo Mchunu
 * Mondli Gungubele
 * Mduduzi Manana
 * Peggy Nkonyeni
 * Thembi Nkadimeng
 * Nonceba Mhlauli
 * Khumbudzo Ntshavheni

National List Committee
The National List Committee reports to, and is appointed annually by, the NEC. It is responsible for the selection of ANC candidates for the national Parliament, and it also oversees and regulates the provincial selection processes. The committee was established following amendments to the ANC constitution by the 50th National Conference in 1997, prior to which the parliamentary selection process had been less centralised. 

Other subcommittees
The NEC is responsible for several other subcommittees, which are primarily staffed by NEC members and whose composition is agreed by the NEC early in its term. Important is the national Deployment Committee (chaired by Deputy President David Mabuza), which was established in 1998 to implement resolutions of the 50th National Conference which endorsed a policy of ANC cadre deployment in the public service and "key centres of power." Other NEC subcommittees include the Economic Transformation Committee (chaired by Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana), the Elections Committee (chaired by Fikile Mbalula), a National Disciplinary Committee of Appeal (chaired by Nomvula Mokonyane), and over a dozen others.

National Executive Committee 1963–1969
In 1960, the ANC was banned in South Africa, and much of its leadership had been arrested, especially during the Treason Trial and later the Rivonia Trial. The ANC therefore set about re-establishing command structures in exile, from a new base in Tanzania. Leadership
 * President: Albert Luthuli (d. 1967), then Oliver Tambo (acting)
 * Chairperson: Oliver Tambo
 * Secretary-General: Duma Nokwe
 * Treasurer: Moses Kotane

Members


 * Jimmy Hadebe
 * Moses Mabhida
 * Johnny Makathini
 * Ambrose Makiwane
 * Tennyson Makiwane
 * J. B. Marks
 * Joe Matthews
 * Joe Modise
 * Themba Mqota
 * Mendi Msimang
 * Thomas Nkobi
 * Alfred Nzo
 * Mzwai Piliso
 * Robert Resha
 * Mark Shope
 * Dan Tloome

National Executive Committee 1969–1976
The NEC was appointed during the 1969 conference in Morogoro, Tanzania, the ANC's first in exile. The NEC was not elected by the party's membership and, as indicated below, it co-opted additional members after 1969 "as the leadership saw fit."

Leadership
 * Acting President: Oliver Tambo (acting)
 * Secretary-General: Duma Nokwe (until 1969), then Alfred Nzo
 * Treasurer: Moses Kotane (until 1968), then J. B. Marks

Members


 * John Gaetsewe (co-opted)
 * Joe Gqabi (co-opted)
 * Jimmy Hadebe
 * Chris Hani (co-opted)
 * Joe Jele (co-opted)
 * Moses Mabhida
 * Simon Makana (co-opted)
 * Johnny Makathini
 * Henry Makgothi (co-opted)
 * Ambrose Makiwane (expelled in 1972)
 * Tennyson Makiwane (expelled in 1972)
 * Robert Manci (co-opted)
 * Andrew Masondo (co-opted)
 * Tom Sebina
 * Joe Matthews
 * Thabo Mbeki (co-opted)
 * Joe Modise
 * Florence Moposho (co-opted)
 * John Motshabi
 * Themba Mqota (expelled in 1972)
 * John Nkadimeng (co-opted)
 * Thomas Nkobi
 * Mzwai Piliso
 * Robert Resha
 * Dan Tloome
 * Jacob Zuma (co-opted)

National Executive Committee 1976–1985
The NEC continued to be appointed without elections over this period, and its composition changed very little.

Leadership
 * President: Oliver Tambo
 * Secretary-General: Alfred Nzo
 * Treasurer: Thomas Nkobi
 * Administrative Secretary: Joe Nhlanhla (from 1978)

Members


 * Steve Dlamini
 * Joe Gqabi
 * Chris Hani (from 1980)
 * Joe Jele
 * Moses Mabhida
 * Simon Makana
 * Johnny Makathini
 * Robert Manci
 * Andrew Masondo
 * Thabo Mbeki
 * Joe Modise
 * Florence Moposho
 * John Motshabi
 * John Nkadimeng
 * Duma Nokwe (d. 1978)
 * Mzwai Piliso
 * Gertrude Shope
 * Jacob Zuma

National Executive Committee 1985–1991
The NEC was elected in May 1985 in Kabwe, Zambia, and was the ANC's first fully elected NEC. In 1990, the ANC was unbanned and held a national consultative conference in Johannesburg – the first official meeting between exiles, underground members, and formerly imprisoned members – at which leaders who had not attended the Kabwe conference reaffirmed the composition of the NEC as elected at Kabwe.

Leadership
 * President: Oliver Tambo
 * Secretary-General: Alfred Nzo
 * Treasurer: Thomas Nkobi

Members


 * Chris Hani
 * Joe Jele
 * Pallo Jordan
 * Ronnie Kasrils (from 1987)
 * Hermanus Loots
 * Moses Mabhida (d. 1986)
 * Mac Maharaj
 * Simon Makana
 * Johnny Makathini
 * Cassius Make (d. 1987)
 * Henry Makgothi
 * Robert Manci
 * Thabo Mbeki
 * Francis Meli
 * Sindiso Mfenyana (from 1987)
 * Joe Modise
 * Ruth Mompati
 * Tony Mongalo
 * Florence Moposho
 * John Motshabi
 * Godfrey Ngwenya (from 1987)
 * Joe Nhlanhla
 * John Nkadimeng
 * Aziz Pahad (from 1987)
 * Jackie Sedibe (from 1987)
 * Jackie Selebi
 * Reggie September
 * Gertrude Shope
 * Sizakele Sigxashe
 * Zola Skweyiya
 * Joe Slovo
 * Dan Tloome
 * Steve Tshwete
 * Jacob Zuma

National Executive Committee 1991–1994
The NEC was elected at the ANC's 48th National Conference in Durban in July 1991. Nelson Mandela was elected ANC president, replacing Oliver Tambo, who had suffered a stroke in 1989 and stepped down after 24 years as president. As indicated below, the NEC voted to co-opt five additional members after 1991, in order to fill vacancies arising from deaths and resignations.

Leadership
 * President: Nelson Mandela
 * Deputy President: Walter Sisulu
 * National Chairperson: Oliver Tambo (d. 1993), then Thabo Mbeki
 * Secretary-General: Cyril Ramaphosa
 * Deputy Secretary-General: Jacob Zuma
 * Treasurer-General: Thomas Nkobi

Members

* Members of the National Working Committee


 * Kader Asmal
 * Thozamile Botha (resigned)
 * Cheryl Carolus*
 * Jeremy Cronin
 * Ebrahim Ebrahim*
 * Harry Gwala
 * Chris Hani* (d. 1993)
 * Josiah Jele (co-opted)
 * Pallo Jordan*
 * Ronnie Kasrils*
 * Ahmed Kathrada
 * Terror Lekota*
 * Saki Macozoma
 * Penuell Maduna
 * Mac Maharaj
 * Rocky Malebane-Metsing
 * Winnie Mandela
 * Trevor Manuel*
 * Gill Marcus
 * Barbara Masekela*
 * Thabo Mbeki*
 * Raymond Mhlaba
 * Wilton Mkwayi
 * Andrew Mlangeni
 * Joe Modise*
 * Peter Mokaba
 * Popo Molefe
 * Ruth Mompati
 * Valli Moosa*
 * Elias Motsoaledi (d. 1994)
 * Mendi Msimang
 * Sydney Mufamadi*
 * Billy Nair
 * Sister Bernard Ncube
 * Joel Netshitenzhe*
 * Joe Nhlanhla
 * John Nkadimeng*
 * Sankie Nkondo (co-opted)
 * Charles Nqakula (co-opted)
 * Siphiwe Nyanda (resigned)
 * Alfred Nzo*
 * Dullah Omar
 * Aziz Pahad
 * Albie Sachs (resigned)
 * Reg September
 * Gertrude Shope
 * Albertina Sisulu
 * Zola Skweyiya*
 * Joe Slovo*
 * Marion Sparg
 * Arnold Stofile
 * Raymond Suttner
 * Steve Tshwete*
 * Mcwayizeni Zulu
 * Nkosazana Zuma (co-opted)

National Executive Committee 1994–1997
The NEC was elected at the ANC's 49th National Conference in Bloemfontein in December 1994. Well represented are former Robben Island prisoners, as well as trade unionists and other former leaders of internal anti-apartheid structures, such as the United Democratic Front, who joined the ANC following its unbanning and return to South Africa. Four additional unelected members were coopted onto the NEC after 1994, to fill vacancies arising from resignations and deaths.

Leadership
 * President: Nelson Mandela
 * Deputy President: Thabo Mbeki
 * Secretary-General: Cyril Ramaphosa (resigned in 1996, replaced by Cheryl Carolus in an acting capacity)
 * Deputy Secretary-General: Cheryl Carolus
 * National Chairperson: Jacob Zuma
 * Treasurer-General: Arnold Stofile

Elected members

* Members of the National Working Committee


 * Kader Asmal
 * Sibusiso Bengu
 * Thozamile Botha (resigned)
 * Jeremy Cronin
 * Thoko Didiza (co-opted)
 * Chris Dlamini (co-opted)
 * Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim
 * Alec Erwin
 * Frene Ginwala*
 * John Gomomo (resigned)
 * Harry Gwala (d. 1995)
 * Derek Hanekom
 * Limpho Hani
 * Bantu Holomisa (expelled in 1996)
 * Lulu Johnson
 * Pallo Jordan*
 * Ronnie Kasrils
 * Ahmed Kathrada
 * Baleka Kgositsile
 * Terror Lekota
 * Brigitte Mabandla (co-opted)
 * Saki Macozoma*
 * Penuell Maduna
 * Mac Maharaj*
 * Winnie Mandela
 * Trevor Manuel
 * Mavivi Manzini
 * Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula (co-opted)
 * Gill Marcus*
 * Moses Mayekiso
 * Tito Mboweni*
 * Raymond Mhlaba
 * Wilton Mkwayi
 * Joe Modise
 * Thandi Modise
 * Peter Mokaba
 * Ruth Mompati
 * Valli Moosa
 * Linda Mti
 * Thenjiwe Mtintso*
 * Sydney Mufamadi*
 * S'bu Ndebele
 * Joel Netshitenzhe*
 * Smuts Ngonyama
 * Joe Nhlanhla
 * Carl Niehaus
 * Sankie Nkondo
 * Charles Nqakula
 * Blade Nzimande*
 * Alfred Nzo
 * Dullah Omar*
 * Aziz Pahad
 * Essop Pahad
 * Jeff Radebe
 * Sam Shilowa (resigned)
 * Stella Sigcau
 * Max Sisulu
 * Zola Skweyiya
 * Joe Slovo (d. 1995)
 * Raymond Suttner
 * Adelaide Tambo
 * Steve Tshwete*
 * Tony Yengeni
 * Nkosazana Zuma*

Ex officio members


 * Winnie Mandela* (Women's League)
 * Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula (Women's League)
 * Lulu Johnson* (Youth League)
 * Mpho Lekgoro (Youth League)
 * Malusi Gigaba* (Youth League)
 * Ngaoko Ramathlodi (Northern Transvaal)
 * Collins Chabane (Northern Transvaal)
 * Popo Molefe (North West)
 * Ndleleni Duma (North West)
 * Mathews Phosa (Eastern Transvaal)
 * Solly Zwane (Eastern Transvaal)
 * Tokyo Sexwale (Gauteng)
 * Paul Mashatile (Gauteng)
 * Jacob Zuma (KwaZulu-Natal)
 * Senzo Mchunu (KwaZulu-Natal)
 * Pat Matosa (Free State)
 * Kaiser Sebothelo (Free State)
 * Manne Dipico (Northern Cape)
 * William Steenkamp (Northern Cape)
 * Dumisani Mafu (Eastern Cape)
 * Bongani Gxilishe (Eastern Cape)
 * Chris Nissen (Western Cape)
 * James Ngculu (Western Cape)

National Executive Committee 1997–2002
At the ANC's 50th National Conference in Mafikeng in December 1997, Thabo Mbeki was elected Mandela's successor as ANC president. After 1997, as indicated below, eleven additional members were co-opted onto the NEC. Five were co-opted in February 1998, soon after the conference, and the other six were co-opted later to fill vacancies arising from resignations and deaths.

Leadership
 * President: Thabo Mbeki
 * Deputy President: Jacob Zuma
 * Secretary-General: Kgalema Motlanthe
 * Deputy Secretary-General: Thenjiwe Mtintso
 * National Chairperson: Terror Lekota
 * Treasurer-General: Mendi Msimang

Elected members

* Members of the National Working Committee


 * Kader Asmal
 * Sibusiso Bengu
 * Collins Chabane
 * Frank Chikane
 * Jeremy Cronin
 * Phillip Dexter
 * Thoko Didiza*
 * Manne Dipico
 * Jessie Duarte
 * Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim (co-opted in 1998)
 * Alec Erwin
 * Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi
 * Frene Ginwala*
 * Enoch Godongwana
 * Derek Hanekom
 * Limpho Hani (resigned)
 * Pallo Jordan
 * Ronnie Kasrils
 * Baleka Kgositsile
 * Jomo Khasu (co-opted)
 * Brigitte Mabandla*
 * Saki Macozoma
 * Penuell Maduna*
 * Mac Maharaj (resigned)
 * Dumisani Makhaye
 * Thabang Makwetla (co-opted)
 * Winnie Mandela*
 * Trevor Manuel
 * Mavivi Manzini*
 * Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula (co-opted in 1998)
 * Gill Marcus (resigned)
 * Candith Mashego-Dlamini (co-opted)
 * January Masilela (co-opted)
 * Amos Masondo
 * Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri
 * Tito Mboweni (resigned)
 * Smangaliso Mkhatshwa
 * Zweli Mkhize
 * Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka
 * Joe Modise (d. 2001)
 * Thandi Modise (co-opted in 1998)
 * Peter Mokaba (d. 2002)
 * Popo Molefe (resigned)
 * Jabu Moleketi
 * Valli Moosa
 * Sankie Mthembi-Mahanyele
 * Sydney Mufamadi*
 * Jay Naidoo
 * S'bu Ndebele (resigned)
 * Joel Netshitenzhe*
 * Smuts Ngonyama* (co-opted)
 * Joe Nhlanhla*
 * Charles Nqakula
 * Blade Nzimande
 * Alfred Nzo (d. 2000)
 * Dullah Omar
 * Aziz Pahad
 * Essop Pahad
 * Dipuo Peters (co-opted)
 * Jeff Radebe*
 * Cyril Ramaphosa
 * Ngoako Ramatlhodi (resigned)
 * Mbhazima Shilowa
 * Stella Sigcau (co-opted in 1998)
 * Lindiwe Sisulu
 * Max Sisulu*
 * Zola Skweyiya*
 * Manto Tshabalala-Msimang* (co-opted in 1998)
 * Steve Tshwete (d. 2002)
 * Tony Yengeni
 * Nkosazana Zuma*

Ex officio members


 * Nelson Mandela*
 * Bathabile Dlamini (Women's League)
 * Malusi Gigaba* (Youth League)
 * Fikile Mbalula (Youth League)
 * Popo Molefe (North West)
 * Siphiwe Ngwenya (North West)
 * Fish Mahlalela (Mpumalanga)
 * Lucas Mello (Mpumalanga)
 * Cassel Mathale (Limpopo)
 * Ngoako Ramathlodi (Limpopo)
 * David Makhura (Gauteng)
 * S'bu Ndebele (KwaZulu-Natal)
 * Sipho Gcabashe (KwaZulu-Natal)
 * Pat Matosa (Free State)
 * Ace Magashule (Free State)
 * Neville Mompati (Northern Cape)
 * Makhenkesi Stofile (Eastern Cape)
 * Humphrey Maxegwana (Eastern Cape)
 * Ebrahim Rasool (Western Cape)
 * Mcebisi Skwatsha (Western Cape)

Observers


 * Ngconde Balfour
 * Ntombazana Botha
 * Winkie Direko
 * Dirk du Toit
 * Cheryl Gillwald
 * Lindiwe Hendricks
 * Rejoice Mabudafhasi
 * Titus Mafolo
 * Nathi Nhleko
 * Membathisi Mdladlana
 * Mandisi Mpahlwa
 * Lawrence Mushwana
 * Naledi Pandor
 * Ngoako Ramatlhodi
 * Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge
 * Susan Shabangu
 * Enver Surty
 * Toine Eggenhuizen
 * Lucky Mabasa
 * Naph Manana

National Executive Committee 2002–2007
The NEC was elected at the ANC's 51st National Conference in Stellenbosch in 2002. The conference effected no change to the senior leadership of the party, except in the position of Deputy Secretary-General. Two additional members were co-opted into the NEC to fill vacancies which arose after 2002 when three members died and one resigned.

Leadership
 * President: Thabo Mbeki
 * Deputy President: Jacob Zuma
 * Secretary-General: Kgalema Motlanthe
 * Deputy Secretary-General: Sankie Mthembi-Mahanyele
 * National Chairperson: Terror Lekota
 * Treasurer-General: Mendi Msimang

Elected members

* Members of the National Working Committee


 * Kader Asmal
 * Collins Chabane
 * Frank Chikane
 * Jeremy Cronin
 * Phillip Dexter
 * Thoko Didiza*
 * Manne Dipico
 * Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma*
 * Jessie Duarte
 * Ebrahim Ebrahim
 * Alec Erwin
 * Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi
 * Malusi Gigaba
 * Frene Ginwala
 * Enoch Godongwana
 * Derek Hanekom
 * Pallo Jordan*
 * Ronnie Kasrils
 * Brigitte Mabandla*
 * Saki Macozoma
 * Penuell Maduna*
 * Dumisani Makhaye (d. 2004)
 * Thabang Makwetla
 * Winnie Mandela (resigned)
 * Trevor Manuel
 * Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula*
 * Beatrice Marshoff (co-opted)
 * Amos Masondo
 * Ivy Matsepe-Casaburri
 * Mavivi Manzini*
 * Baleka Mbete*
 * Membathisi Mdladlana
 * Smangaliso Mkhatshwa
 * Zweli Mkhize
 * Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka*
 * Thandi Modise
 * Popo Molefe
 * Jabu Moleketi
 * Valli Moosa
 * Thenjiwe Mtintso
 * Sydney Mufamadi*
 * Joel Netshitenzhe*
 * Smuts Ngonyama*
 * Charles Nqakula
 * Blade Nzimande
 * Dullah Omar (d. 2004)
 * Aziz Pahad
 * Essop Pahad
 * Naledi Pandor
 * Dipuo Peters
 * Mathews Phosa
 * Jeff Radebe*
 * Cyril Ramaphosa
 * Ngoako Ramatlhodi
 * Susan Shabangu
 * Stella Sigcau (d. 2006)
 * Lindiwe Sisulu*
 * Max Sisulu*
 * Zola Skweyiya*
 * Manto Tshabalala-Msimang*
 * Ouma Tsopo (co-opted)
 * Tony Yengeni

Ex officio members
 * Nelson Mandela
 * Fikile Mbalula* (Youth League)

National Executive Committee 2007–2012
The NEC was elected at the ANC's 52nd National Conference in Polokwane in December 2007. Incumbent ANC and national president Thabo Mbeki was defeated by Jacob Zuma in the vote for the Presidency. After 2007, three members died and six resigned (two to defect to the newly founded Congress of the People); only three of those vacancies were filled by co-opting replacements.

Leadership
 * President: Jacob Zuma
 * Deputy president: Kgalema Motlanthe
 * National Chairperson: Baleka Mbete
 * Secretary-General: Gwede Mantashe
 * Deputy Secretary-General: Thandi Modise
 * Treasurer-General: Mathews Phosa

Elected members

* Members of the National Working Committee


 * Nozabelo Ruth Bhengu
 * Nyami Booi
 * Lynne Brown
 * Zoleka Rosemary Capa-Langa
 * Bheki Cele (resigned)
 * Collins Chabane*
 * Jeremy Cronin
 * Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
 * Bathabile Dlamini*
 * Ayanda Dlodlo
 * Jessie Duarte*
 * Ndleleni Duma
 * Ebrahim Ebrahim
 * Malusi Gigaba
 * Enoch Godongwana
 * Derek Hanekom
 * Hazel Jenkins
 * Tina Joemat-Pettersson*
 * Pallo Jordan*
 * Ncumisa Kondlo* (d. 2008)
 * Charlotte Lobe (resigned)
 * Janet Love (resigned)
 * Brigitte Mabandla
 * Rejoice Mabudafhasi
 * David Mabuza
 * Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge (resigned)
 * Dikeledi Magadzi
 * Ace Magashule
 * Kgomotso Magau (co-opted)
 * Sibongile Manana
 * Winnie Mandela
 * Trevor Manuel
 * Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
 * Billy Masetlha
 * Joyce Mashamba
 * Phumulo Masualle
 * Noluthando Mayende-Sibiya*
 * Fikile Mbalula*
 * Nomaindia Mfeketo*
 * Zweli Mkhize
 * Nomvula Mokonyane
 * Ellen Molekane (co-opted)
 * Joyce Moloi-Moropa
 * Valli Moosa (resigned)
 * Playfair Morule
 * Angie Motshekga*
 * Mathole Motshekga
 * Aaron Motsoaledi
 * Sankie Mthembi-Mahanyele
 * Jackson Mthembu
 * Nathi Mthethwa*
 * Thenjiwe Mtintso
 * Thaba Mufamadi
 * S'bu Ndebele
 * Joel Netshitenzhe
 * Maite Nkoana-Mashabane*
 * Nosipho Ntwanambi
 * Siphiwe Nyanda*
 * Blade Nzimande*
 * Naledi Pandor
 * Joe Phaahla
 * Febe Potgieter-Gqubule
 * Dina Pule*
 * Jeff Radebe*
 * Cyril Ramaphosa
 * Ngoako Ramatlhodi
 * Tokyo Sexwale
 * Susan Shabangu*
 * Sicelo Shiceka (d. 2012)
 * Lyndall Shope-Mafole (resigned)
 * Lindiwe Sisulu*
 * Max Sisulu*
 * Salome Sithole (co-opted)
 * Zola Skweyiya
 * Makhenkesi Stofile*
 * Thandi Tobias
 * Sisi Tolashe
 * Manto Tshabalala-Msimang (d. 2009)
 * Sue van der Merwe
 * Fikile Xasa
 * Lumka Yengeni
 * Tony Yengeni*
 * Lindiwe Zulu

Ex officio members
 * Nelson Mandela
 * Thabo Mbeki

National Executive Committee 2012–2017
The NEC was elected at the ANC's 53rd National Conference in Mangaung in December 2012, and Jacob Zuma was elected ANC president for a second term. Four members were co-opted onto the NEC after 2012 to fill vacancies arising from deaths.

Leadership


 * President: Jacob Zuma
 * Deputy President: Cyril Ramaphosa
 * National Chairperson: Baleka Mbete
 * Secretary-General: Gwede Mantashe
 * Deputy Secretary-General: Jessie Duarte
 * Treasurer-General: Zweli Mkhize

Elected members

* Members of the National Working Committee


 * Obed Bapela
 * Nozabelo Ruth Bhengu
 * Lynne Brown
 * Zoleka Rosemary Capa-Langa
 * Bheki Cele
 * Collins Chabane* (d. 2015)
 * Siyabonga Cwele
 * Rob Davies
 * Thoko Didiza
 * Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
 * Bathabile Dlamini*
 * Sidumo Dlamini
 * Ayanda Dlodlo
 * Beauty Dlulane
 * Ebrahim Ismail Ebrahim
 * Lungi Gcabashe
 * Malusi Gigaba*
 * Enoch Godongwana
 * Pravin Gordhan
 * Derek Hanekom*
 * Tina Joemat-Pettersson*
 * Pallo Jordan (resigned)
 * Zizi Kodwa
 * Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba
 * Pule Mabe
 * Sisi Mabe* (d. 2014)
 * Rejoice Mabudafhasi
 * Nocawe Mafu
 * Dikeledi Magadzi
 * David Mahlobo*
 * Fikile Majola
 * Winnie Mandela
 * Jane Manganye
 * Kebby Maphatsoe
 * Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula*
 * Philly Mapulane
 * Billy Masetlha
 * Joyce Mashamba
 * Sam Mashinini
 * Fikile Mbalula (co-opted)
 * Tito Mboweni
 * Nomaindia Mfeketo*
 * Reginah Mhaule (co-opted)
 * Humphrey Mmemezi
 * Nomvula Mokonyane*
 * Pinky Mokoto
 * Edna Molewa
 * Joyce Moloi-Moropa
 * Pinky Moloi
 * Angie Motshekga
 * Mathole Motshekga (co-opted)
 * Aaron Motsoaledi*
 * Sankie Mthembi-Mahanyele
 * Jackson Mthembu*
 * Nathi Mthethwa*
 * Thenjiwe Mtintso
 * S'bu Ndebele
 * Joel Netshitenzhe
 * Maite Nkoana-Mashabane*
 * Gugile Nkwinti
 * Sisi Ntombela*
 * Nosipho Ntwanambi (d. 2014)
 * Thulas Nxesi
 * Blade Nzimande*
 * Mildred Oliphant
 * Naledi Pandor*
 * Dipuo Peters (co-opted)
 * Joe Phaahla
 * Jeff Radebe*
 * Ngoako Ramatlhodi
 * Miriam Segabutla
 * Machwene Rosina Semenya
 * Susan Shabangu*
 * Lindiwe Sisulu*
 * Max Sisulu
 * Stone Sizani
 * Mcebisi Skwatsha
 * Sisisi Tolashe
 * Pam Tshwete
 * Sue van der Merwe
 * Fikile Xasa*
 * Tony Yengeni
 * Senzeni Zokwana
 * Lindiwe Zulu*

Ex officio members


 * John Block (Northern Cape)
 * Zamani Saul (Northern Cape)
 * Phumulo Masualle (Eastern Cape)
 * Oscar Mabuyane (Eastern Cape)
 * Marius Fransman (Western Cape)
 * Mjongile Songezo (Western Cape)
 * David Mabuza (Mpumalanga)
 * Lucky Ndinisa (Mpumalanga)
 * Paul Mashatile (Gauteng)
 * David Makhura (Gauteng)
 * Supra Mahumapelo (North West)
 * Kabelo Mataboge (North West)
 * Cassel Mathale (Limpopo)
 * Soviet Lekganyane (Limpopo)
 * Sihle Zikalala (KwaZulu-Natal)
 * Makgwe Ntate (Free State)
 * Natso Khumalo (Veterans' League)
 * Sandi Sejake (Veterans' League)

National Executive Committee 2017–2022
In December 2017, the 54th National Conference, held at Nasrec, elected ANC deputy president Cyril Ramaphosa to succeed Jacob Zuma as ANC president. It also elected a new NEC. In October 2019, four additional members were co-opted onto the committee.

Leadership

Elected members
 * President: Cyril Ramaphosa
 * Deputy President: David Mabuza
 * National Chairperson: Gwede Mantashe
 * Secretary-General: Ace Magashule
 * Deputy Secretary-General: Jessie Duarte
 * Treasurer-General: Paul Mashatile


 * Obed Bapela
 * Sibongile Besani
 * Ruth Bhengu
 * Bongani Bongo
 * Alvin Botes
 * Sfiso Buthelezi
 * Firoz Cachalia (co-opted in 2019)
 * Rosemary Capa
 * Bheki Cele
 * Sindisiwe Chikunga
 * Barbara Creecy
 * Siyabonga Cwele
 * Thoko Didiza
 * Bathabile Dlamini
 * Sdumo Dlamini
 * Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma
 * Ayanda Dlodlo (co-opted in 2019)
 * Beauty Dlulane
 * Malusi Gigaba
 * Enoch Godongwana
 * Pravin Gordhan
 * Mondli Gungubele
 * Derek Hanekom
 * Tina Joemat-Pettersson
 * Nkenke Kekana
 * Pinky Kekana
 * Noxolo Kiviet
 * Zizi Kodwa
 * Mmamoloko Kubayi
 * Ronald Lamola
 * Dakota Legoete
 * Dipuo Letsatsi-Duba
 * Zingiswa Losi
 * Sylvia Lucas
 * Pule Mabe
 * Rejoice Mabudafhasi
 * Nocawe Mafu
 * Dikeledi Magadzi
 * Tandi Mahambehlala
 * David Mahlobo
 * Collen Maine
 * Pemmy Majodina
 * Neva Makgetla
 * Thabang Makwetla
 * Mduduzi Manana
 * Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula
 * Lindiwe Maseko (co-opted in 2019)
 * Candith Mashego-Dlamini
 * David Masondo
 * Phumulo Masualle
 * Joe Maswanganyi
 * Fikile Mbalula
 * Baleka Mbete
 * Tito Mboweni
 * Senzo Mchunu
 * Nomaindia Mfeketo
 * Reginah Mhaule
 * Hlengiwe Mkhize
 * Zweli Mkhize
 * Thandi Modise
 * Nomvula Mokonyane
 * Edna Molewa (d. 2018)
 * Pinky Moloi
 * Angie Motshekga
 * Mathole Motshekga
 * Aaron Motsoaledi
 * Jackson Mthembu
 * Nathi Mthethwa
 * Faith Muthambi
 * Joel Netshitenzhe
 * Maite Nkoana-Mashabane
 * Blade Nzimande (co-opted in 2019)
 * Mildred Oliphant
 * Naledi Pandor
 * Jeff Radebe
 * Ngoako Ramathlodi
 * Gwen Ramokgopa
 * Susan Shabangu
 * Lindiwe Sisulu
 * Violet Siwela
 * Pamela Tshwete
 * Tokozile Xasa
 * Tony Yengeni
 * Lindiwe Zulu
 * Mosebenzi Zwane

Ex-officio members


 * Hlomane Chauke
 * Suzan Dantjies
 * Lerumo Kalako (Western Cape IPC)
 * Jacob Khawe
 * Natso Khumalo
 * Soviet Lekganyane
 * Oscar Mabuyane
 * David Makhura
 * Stanley Mathabatha
 * Mookgo Matuba
 * Ronalda Nalumango (Western Cape IPC)
 * Mandla Ndlovu
 * Lulama Ngcukayitobi
 * Deshi Ngxanya
 * Paseka Nompondo
 * Lindiwe Ntshalintshali
 * Mdumiseni Ntuli
 * Zamani Saul
 * Sihle Zikalala
 * Snuki Zikalala
 * Nonceba Mhauli (ANCYL NYTT)
 * Joy Maimela (ANCYL NYTT)
 * Nompondo Paseka (Free State)
 * Mxolisi Dukwana (Free State)