‘No 2027 without 2026’: Mbalula puts lid on ANC succession debate

By Thapelo Molefe

With local government elections looming and the ANC facing what it describes as an “existential moment”, Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula on Saturday moved to shut down early succession battles, warning that internal campaigning, money politics and factional manoeuvring would not be tolerated.

In recent months, a flurry of media reports has suggested that several senior ANC leaders are already positioning themselves in a succession race ahead of the party’s next national conference in 2027.

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) lekgotla in Boksburg, Mbalula said the movement’s survival depended on restoring credibility in municipalities — not leadership contests.

“There will be no 2027 without 2026,” Mbalula said.

“If we collapse local government, there is no future for the ANC. People must stop behaving as if conferences come before communities.”

He issued a blunt warning to members already positioning themselves for