Johannesburg – With local government elections expected this year, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has urged party supporters to focus on the polls and dismissed early campaigning around a possible Patrice Motsepe presidential bid as “mischievous.”
The ANC has faced renewed speculation after lobbying within the party for Motsepe to run for ANC president at the 2027 elective conference.
Reports have also suggested former president Thabo Mbeki could be considered to help restore the party’s image ahead of the 2026 local government elections, while Gwede Mantashe was reportedly approached but declined due to age.
Mbalula said debates about leadership succession should wait until after the local government elections, stressing that 2027 would be the appropriate time for such discussions and that proper party processes would be followed.
WATCH | ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has urged party members to focus on the upcoming local government elections, adding that an early Motsepe campaign is mischievous. pic.twitter.com/r4GPLmysU5
— SABC News (@SABCNews) January 20, 2026
“Nothing would stand in the fact that if people want him (Motsepe) to become president of the ANC for whatever reasons, and he is a member of the ANC, because anyone can stand to become anything, that moment will come,” Mbalula said.
He added that he would address those pushing the issue internally and reiterated that any ANC member is free to contest leadership positions when the time comes.
Motsepe’s spokesperson said the businessman has repeatedly stated he is not running for ANC president and will not engage further on the matter.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
