South Africa’s governing party is shaping up for a bruising contest when it elects new leaders at its national conference in Johannesburg in December.
The gathering comes at a difficult time for the 110 year-old African National Congress — it’s battling to rebuild support among an electorate that was alienated by Jacob Zuma’s scandal-marred presidency that ended in 2018. Its support dipped below 50% for the first time ever in a municipal vote last year and it’s in danger of losing its national majority and control of the economic hub of Gauteng in 2024 elections.
The party is also struggling to raise funding and its staff haven’t been paid for months, while Secretary-General Ace Magashule has been suspended pending the outcome of his corruption trial.
With the nominations process now under way, here’s an overview of some the contenders for the top posts:
Cyril Ramaphosa
The 69-year-old lawyer and former
You’ve reached your free article limit
Subscribe to enjoy unlimited access to trusted journalism. Cancel anytime.
Subscribe nowNeed help? molokom@insidepolitic.co.za
