Pretoria – ANC national chair Gwede Mantashe has ruled himself out of the ANC’s 2027 presidential race, saying he is “too old” to contest for the party’s top job when President Cyril Ramaphosa’s term ends.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ANC’s National General Council in Boksburg, Mantashe said succession talks are premature.
“People will put their names in the hat. They want to be elected, but that is premature at this point in time.
“The time for that will come, and I can tell you I’m not going to be available. I’m old. I’m more than 70 years old so I’m a retiree,” he said.
ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe says he will not be available for any position at the 2027 ANC Elective Conference, adding, ‘I’m old, over 70, and I’m retiring. pic.twitter.com/ICuivFAQPv
— MDN NEWS (@MDNnewss) December 9, 2025
Speculation around the 2027 leadership contest has intensified, with several senior figures reportedly in the running, including Paul Mashatile, Thoko Didiza, Fikile Mbalula, Ronald Lamola, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Oscar Mabuyane and Nomvula Mokonyane.
ANC leaders, however, insist succession will not be discussed at the NGC.
Mbalula emphasised that the focus is on preparing the party for elections and its renewal programme, saying leadership debates will only happen in 2027.
He added that Ramaphosa could still continue if branches nominate him, calling the president “an asset” who has led through difficult times.
[WATCH] We value President Ramaphosa as an asset in the ANC as he had led us in the toughest of times. pic.twitter.com/LA4oA7kxHk
— ANC SECRETARY GENERAL | Fikile Mbalula (@MbalulaFikile) December 7, 2025
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
