ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe has denied speculation that he is positioning himself to succeed President Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC president in 2027. 

Speaking at the recent O.R Tambo regional conference in the Eastern Cape, Mantashe, who is also Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources said he was too old for the position and should be counted out in the presidential succession battle.

Mantashe’s comments come as the ANC begins to prepare for its elective conference in 2027, with several high-profile leaders jostling to replace Ramaphosa.

However, Mantashe said he has no interest in the presidency, citing his age as a major factor.

“I’m 70 now and I will be 72 in 2027 and will be 74 when this term ends. What mess do you want to put me in? I’m too old to be president. I may look young, but I am old,” Mantashe said.

Mantashe emphasised that his strength lies in influencing power, not seeking it.

 “I’m good at influencing power… I influence those that are in power, whoever it is. It could be (Jacob) Zuma or Ramaphosa, I’ll influence them… and I know that to be my strength,” he said.

The ANC’s elective conference in 2027 is expected to be a highly contested affair, with several leaders vying for the top spot. 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is believed to be one of the frontrunners, but he faces hurdles due to reports of a lavish lifestyle and investigations by the Hawks, SIU, and Public Protector’s Office.

Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is also seen as a potential candidate, but his recent public spat with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has sparked tensions within the party. Lesufi is believed to be supporting Mashatile’s bid for the presidency.

Despite the emerging factions, ANC leaders have denied that the party is divided over the succession issue. 

Mashatile said it is too early to talk about who will succeed Ramaphosa, emphasising that the party is focused on rebuilding its branches and leading the Government of National Unity (GNU).

“The conference is in 2027, so it’s three years. I’d say it’s too early to talk about who is going to be president. We’re busy rebuilding branches. A lot of our branches are going to general meetings and regional conferences. After that we are going to have provincial conferences. Those are the people that will start to say who they want to lead,” Mashatile said.

Others believed to be in the race are Ramaphosa’s allies International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshaveni.

Meanwhile the ANC Youth League in Gauteng and Limpopo has thrown its weight behind Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, as its preferred candidate to succeed Cyril Ramaphosa.

According to sources within the structures, Ramokgopa’s youth and ability to take the movement forward make him an attractive candidate to become the party’s next president.

“We are clear that we will be lobbying for Comrade Sputla (Ramokgopa) merely because he is still young and will be able to take the movement forward while we have Gauteng premier Panyaza Lesufi to deputise him,” a senior member of the ANCYL in Gauteng said.

“These two comrades understand the youth and you can see in their respective portfolios that they cater for the youth…and the future is the youth,” he said.

mashudu.sadike@inl.co.za

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