Panyaza Lesufi for ANC president? Gauteng premier breaks silence on 2027 race

Johannesburg – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has distanced himself from a campaign promoting him as a potential African National Congress (ANC) presidential candidate ahead of the party’s 2027 elective conference, insisting that he has no intention of taking up the position.

The development follows the circulation of a campaign poster bearing the slogan PL27, which presents Lesufi as a possible successor to President Cyril Ramaphosa.

In a post on his verified X account, Lesufi asked those behind the campaign to withdraw the poster, saying the party should concentrate on rebuilding itself rather than promoting leadership ambitions.

“Those behind this, I politely and respectfully so, request that it be removed. Our focus should be on rebuilding the ANC and the renewal of our movement,” he said.

Those behind this, I politely and respectfully so, request that it be removed. Our focus should be on rebuilding the ANC and the renewal of our movement. I’ve stated on various platforms that I’m neither available for nor willing to take on this responsibility. Our priority is also on the unity of the alliance and progressive formations.

— Panyaza Lesufi (@Lesufi) November 10, 2026

He added: “I’ve stated on various platforms that I’m neither available for nor willing to take on this responsibility. Our priority is also on the unity of the alliance and progressive formations.”

The poster has generated mixed reactions, with some social media users encouraging Lesufi to reconsider while others questioned the circumstances surrounding the campaign.

Lesufi’s latest remarks also echo comments he made in an interview with the Mail & Guardian in May 2025, when he ruled out contesting any of the ANC’s top seven national leadership positions at the 2027 conference.

At the time, he indicated that he was considering alternatives outside politics after nearly four decades in public life.

“My entire life has been politics. I’m looking at alternatives outside politics, but I don’t know which alternatives,” he told the publication.

New national leadership

The renewed attention on the succession race comes amid growing political pressure on the ANC following its poor performance in the November 2026 local government elections.

The party secured less than a third of the national vote, marking its worst electoral performance to date, as voters expressed dissatisfaction with corruption and poor public services.

Earlier this year, the ANC had condemned premature leadership campaigns, warning that such activities threatened organisational unity and distracted members from their responsibilities.

The party is expected to elect new national leadership at its 56th National Conference in December 2027, with Ramaphosa expected to step down as ANC president.