Key Takeaways:
- Electricity & energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is preparing to challenge for a top leadership slot in the ANC
- Ramokgopa is exploring a joint bid for either party president or deputy president, potentially alongside National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza
- The move is timed ahead of the party’s 2027 elective conference when President Cyril Ramaphosa concludes his second term as head of the party
- Ramokgopa’s campaign would enter a competitive field, with provincial heavyweight and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane also preparing for a top post bid
- The ANC’s national general council (NGC) has given Ramaphosa rousing applause, with no speculation of him stepping down as party president
Introduction to the ANC Leadership Battle
The African National Congress (ANC) is gearing up for a potential leadership battle, with several high-profile candidates vying for top positions. Electricity & energy minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa is one such candidate, who is preparing to challenge for a top leadership slot in the party. According to people familiar with the matter, Ramokgopa is exploring a joint bid for either party president or deputy president, potentially alongside National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza. This move is timed ahead of the party’s 2027 elective conference, when President Cyril Ramaphosa concludes his second term as head of the party.
Ramokgopa’s Background and Experience
Ramokgopa brings to the table high-profile executive experience, having been appointed electricity & energy minister in July 2024. This post was created to tackle the country’s protracted load-shedding crisis. Prior to this, he served as head of the presidency’s investment & infrastructure office and as mayor of Tshwane from 2010 to 2016. His experience and track record make him a strong contender for a top leadership position in the ANC. Additionally, his potential running mate, Thoko Didiza, has also had a notable career in politics, having been earmarked as the ANC’s mayoral candidate for Tshwane in 2016.
The Competitive Field
However, Ramokgopa’s campaign would enter a competitive field, with provincial heavyweight and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane also preparing for a top post bid. Mabuyane is allied with deputy president Paul Mashatile, and his bid is seen as a significant challenge to Ramokgopa’s ambitions. Mabuyane played coy when quizzed on his presidential ambitions, but it is clear that he is a strong contender for a top position in the ANC. The competition for leadership positions in the ANC is likely to be fierce, with several candidates vying for top spots.
The ANC’s National General Council
The ANC’s national general council (NGC) recently gathered in Johannesburg, with 1,800 delegates attending the four-day meeting. The NGC is a midterm review between national elective conferences, and it provided a platform for President Ramaphosa to address the party’s members. Ramaphosa defended the composition of the government of national unity (GNU), which includes the DA, stating that the election results placed a responsibility on the ANC to ensure unity, stability, peace, and progress in the country. The NGC gave Ramaphosa rousing applause, with no speculation of him stepping down as party president.
Ramaphosa’s Future
As Ramaphosa approaches the end of his second term as head of state, there is speculation about his future in the party. While there is no term limit to his position as party president, he can only serve two terms as head of state, and his second term comes to an end in 2029. It is unclear what role Ramaphosa will play in the party after his term ends, but it is clear that he will continue to be a significant figure in the ANC. The party’s 2027 elective conference will be a pivotal moment in determining the future leadership of the ANC, and it will be interesting to see how the party navigates this transition.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the ANC is gearing up for a potential leadership battle, with several high-profile candidates vying for top positions. Ramokgopa’s joint bid with Didiza is a significant development, and it will be interesting to see how their campaign unfolds. The competitive field, including Mabuyane’s bid, will make for a fascinating contest. As the party approaches its 2027 elective conference, it is clear that the future of the ANC is uncertain, but one thing is certain – the party will continue to play a significant role in shaping the country’s future.