Key Takeaways
- Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba is being considered as a contender for the ANC’s second-in-charge position in the 2027 national congress.
- Ramathuba faces a serious challenge in winning the provincial conference to have a stronger chance at the deputy president position.
- Several other female ANC members, including Maropene Ramokgopa, Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa, and Mmamoloko Kubayi, are also vying for the deputy president position.
- The race for ANC deputy president is expected to be highly contested, with multiple candidates from different provinces.
- Other key positions, such as treasurer-general and secretary-general, are also up for grabs, with several candidates expressing interest.
Introduction to the ANC Leadership Race
The African National Congress (ANC) is gearing up for its 2027 national congress, and the race for key leadership positions is heating up. Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba is being touted as a contender for the second-in-charge position, with growing calls for a female deputy president. However, Ramathuba faces a significant challenge in winning the provincial conference, which would give her a stronger bargaining chip for the deputy president position. She will be competing against other hopefuls, including Polokwane mayor John Mpe, for the top position in the ANC in the province.
The Challenge Ahead for Ramathuba
Ramathuba’s journey to the deputy president position will not be an easy one. Even if she overcomes Mpe, she will face stiff competition from other female ANC members who are also vying for the position. These include ministers in the presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, as well as Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa and Mmamoloko Kubayi, who are also from Limpopo but are currently based in Gauteng. The geographical spread of candidates is also a consideration when the ANC elects new leaders, making Ramathuba’s task even more daunting.
Other Contenders for Deputy President
The race for ANC deputy president is expected to be highly contested, with multiple candidates from different provinces. Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane is also being considered for the position, while a lobby is trying to convince ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula to run for the position instead of remaining in his current role. However, this campaign has failed to gain traction, and Mbalula is likely to remain in his current position. Other male hopefuls, including Mabuyane, are also in the running, making the competition for the deputy president position even fiercer.
Contestation for Other Key Positions
Other key positions, such as treasurer-general and secretary-general, are also up for grabs. The current treasurer-general, Dr. Ramokgopa, is facing competition from several candidates, including Andile Lungisa, Mzwandile Masina, Pule Mabe, and Bejani Chauke, who are considering running again after falling short in the last national conference. An unexpected candidate, NEC member Nkenke "Nat" Kekana, has also thrown his hat into the ring, and his campaign is gaining traction. The secretary-general post is also being contested, with NEC member Mdumiseni Ntuli and Northern Cape provincial chairperson Zamani Saul emerging as frontrunners.
The Top Job and Other Positions
The top job of ANC president is currently being contested by two main contenders: Paul Mashatile and Fikile Mbalula. Several other fringe hopefuls, including Parliament Speaker Thoko Didiza, Electricity Minister Sputla Ramokgopa, and billionaire Patrice Motsepe, are also entering the race. The position of national chairperson is also up for grabs, with Mabuyane considering running for the position. The ANC’s 2027 national congress is shaping up to be a highly contested and unpredictable event, with multiple candidates vying for key leadership positions. As the race heats up, it remains to be seen who will emerge victorious and take the reins of the ANC.