Mantashe rules out 2027 ANC presidency, cites age as a factor

ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe has denied speculation that he is positioning himself to succeed President Cyril Ramaphosa as ANC president in 2027. 

Speaking at the recent O.R Tambo regional conference in the Eastern Cape, Mantashe, who is also Minister for Petroleum and Natural Resources said he was too old for the position and should be counted out in the presidential succession battle.

Mantashe's comments come as the ANC begins to prepare for its elective conference in 2027, with several high-profile leaders jostling to replace Ramaphosa.

Mantashe said he has no interest in the presidency, citing his age as a major factor.

"I'm 70 now and I will be 72 in 2027 and will be 74 when this term ends. What mess do you want to put me in? I'm too old to be president. I may look young, but I am old," Mantashe said.

 "I'm good at influencing power... I influence those that are in power, whoever it is. It could be (Jacob) Zuma or Ramaphosa, I'll influence them... and I know that to be my strength," he said.

The ANC's elective conference in 2027 is expected to be a highly contested affair, with several leaders vying for the top spot. 

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is believed to be one of the frontrunners, but he faces hurdles due to reports of a lavish lifestyle and investigations by the Hawks, SIU, and Public Protector's Office.

Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula is also seen as a potential candidate, but his recent public spat with Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has sparked tensions within the party. Lesufi is believed to be supporting Mashatile's bid for the presidency.

Despite the emerging factions, ANC leaders have denied that the party is divided over the succession issue. 

Mashatile said it is too early to talk about who will succeed Ramaphosa, emphasising that the party is focused on rebuilding its branches and leading the Government of National Unity (GNU).

Others believed to be in the race are Ramaphosa's allies International Relations and Cooperation Minister Ronald Lamola, Police Minister Senzo Mchunu and Minister in the presidency Khumbudzo Ntshaveni.

Meanwhile the ANC Youth League in Gauteng and Limpopo has thrown its weight behind Minister in the Presidency responsible for Electricity, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, as its preferred candidate to succeed Cyril Ramaphosa.

According to sources within the structures, Ramokgopa's youth and ability to take the movement forward make him an attractive candidate to become the party's next president.

Cape Argus