ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has issued a sharp warning to party members, ordering an immediate halt to all discussions around the 2027 leadership race and any associated campaigns.
The directive follows the emergence of videos over the weekend showing T-shirts being printed with the slogan “PM27”, widely linked to billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe. While Motsepe has publicly stated that he does not intend to run for ANC president, internal lobbying around his possible candidacy appears to have triggered concern within the party’s leadership.
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Mbalula has now warned that any member who ignores the instruction risks facing disciplinary action.
‘PM27’ T-Shirts Spark Fury Inside the ANC
The production of the Motsepe-linked T-shirts reportedly angered Mbalula, prompting him to circulate a letter dated 21 January to ANC national executive committee (NEC) members, provincial secretaries, leagues and regional structures.
In the letter, Mbalula reminded party officials that the NEC had resolved to suspend all leadership debates until after the upcoming local government elections later this year.
“This serves as a reminder that the NEC took a decision which was communicated to all provinces, that no ANC structure or member should engage in leadership contestations ahead of the ANC national conference to be held in 2027,” Mbalula wrote.
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“In this regard, we caution any ANC member to disassociate themselves with the production and distribution of the ‘PM’ T-shirt or its associated leadership campaigns.”
Mbalula has previously voiced his displeasure with the alleged Motsepe campaign. At the ANC’s National General Council in December, he publicly called on Motsepe to sit down after party members crowded around him.
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Mbalula Issues Disciplinary Threats
The ANC is set to hold its national conference in December 2027, where delegates will elect President Cyril Ramaphosa’s successor, along with national officials and the NEC.
Potential contenders for the party’s top post include Mbalula himself, deputy president Paul Mashatile, National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza and Motsepe. However, the party has imposed a strict moratorium on leadership campaigning, arguing that early contestation could undermine election efforts and organisational renewal.
Mbalula warned that those who defy the NEC decision would face serious consequences.
“Therefore, anyone who engages in acts that contradict this decision by the NEC is to be considered an opponent to the revolution, as such would be putting their personal leadership ambitions ahead of the interests of the people as well as those of the organisation,” he said.
“The NEC decision in this regard further stipulated that at an appropriate time, such leadership contestations will be allowed, as to be communicated by the secretary-general on the express mandate of the NEC.”
He added that disciplinary steps would be taken against “anyone who violates the NEC directive in this regard”.
The warning comes as a campaign-style song promoting Mbalula as a future ANC president surfaced online. Although he later reposted the song on X, Mbalula distanced himself from it, writing: “I will always appreciate creative and as much as this is a catchy tune, I have not sanctioned it.”
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