By Akani Nkuna
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has moved to shut down succession debates within the party, discouraging branches and structures from fuelling discussions about the ANC presidency and urging members to allow internal processes to take their course.
Mbalula said it was premature to indicate whether he would contest the party’s top position at the ANC’s 2027 elective conference.
The ANC is expected to hold its next national elective conference in 2027, with no clear frontrunner for the presidency having emerged to date.
“No, that will be discussed next year — whether I stand or do not stand [as ANC president]. The matter of standing is reserved until then,” Mbalula told the SABC in a wide-ranging interview.
“If I were to comment on whether I am standing or not standing, I would be fuelling a debate that the organisation has agreed must stop. When that time comes — in 2027 — we will have won the local government elections.”
The conference is widely expected to be highly contested, with Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Mbalula frequently mentioned as potential contenders. Media reports have also suggested that billionaire businessman and philanthropist Patrice Motsepe could enter the race.
Former health minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has indicated his availability to contest national leadership, subject to nominations from party members.
Mkhize’s political career suffered a major setback following the Digital Vibes scandal, which led to his resignation as minister.
He currently serves as chairperson of Parliament’s Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs portfolio committee.
Mbalula said suggestions that he is the preferred candidate for the ANC presidency do not “get into his head”, describing such remarks as expressions of appreciation rather than substitutes for formal party processes.
“There must be order in the organisation. As much as people can talk about it, we are not about it right now. We need to focus — the membership, the structures and the task at hand,” he said.
His comments follow the circulation last week of ANC-branded T-shirts bearing the slogan “PM27”, which sparked reports that Motsepe was launching an early campaign. Mbalula warned that harsh action would be taken against those responsible, saying such conduct undermines ANC procedures.
“Anyone who engages in acts that contradict this decision by the NEC must be regarded as putting personal leadership ambitions ahead of the interests of the people and the organisation,” Mbalula said.
He added that the NEC had resolved that leadership contestation would only be allowed at an appropriate time, and that disciplinary action would be taken against anyone who violated the directive.
Mbalula said premature campaigning distracted the organisation from rebuilding and consolidating its work nationwide.
“We should be focusing on reclaiming lost ground, but instead some are busy with organisational matters we have clearly said must wait. Talking about candidates will come — so why T-shirts now? This diverts us from the task at hand,” he said.
“These people are disorganising the movement and diverting us from debating real issues.”
Mbalula stressed that the party would continue reviewing its action plan to improve service delivery, particularly in municipalities governed by the ANC.
“We have an action plan that will report in detail on how we are addressing these challenges and the work already under way. The real question is: in the municipalities we lead, what are we doing to fix potholes and ensure services work?” he said.
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