ANC national chairperson Gwede Mantashe has firmly dismissed speculation that he could enter the race for the party’s highest office, insisting age and retirement plans rule him out.
Speaking on the sidelines of the ANC’s national executive committee (NEC) meeting at Birchwood Hotel on the East Rand, he said he would not be part of the succession contest.
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“People will put their names in their heads. They want to be elected. But that is premature at this point in time,” he said.
“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 retiring.”
The NEC gathering comes as senior ANC leaders begin positioning themselves for future roles ahead of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s final term, prompting growing chatter about the party’s next leader.
Rising Succession Tensions Inside the ANC
While the ANC leadership has repeatedly cautioned against early succession battles, potential contenders have already emerged.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile and secretary-general Fikile Mbalula have long been considered in the running, and a new name — National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza — has reportedly entered the field.
Didiza is said to have backing from influential figures, including Ramaphosa, who previously endorsed Senzo Mchunu as his preferred successor.
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Meanwhile, Police Minister Mchunu remains on special leave amid allegations of corruption, political interference and criminal collusion — claims he denies. A judicial commission of inquiry and a parliamentary ad hoc committee are probing misconduct allegations within the police and broader justice sectors.
ANC Faces Tough Road to 2026 Local Government Elections
Asked about the ANC’s approach to the 2026 local elections, particularly in the metros, Mantashe said the real challenge lies in public perception rather than the party’s strategy.
“It’s not our plan. It’s the attitude of society towards us. What we should be doing is correcting that attitude,” he said.
“If we are not succeeding, we are not going to see any change in support.”
The ANC is under pressure to retain or reclaim key municipalities as service delivery failures, corruption scandals and governance concerns continue to erode public confidence. The party has yet to reveal its mayoral candidates for major metros.
Dual Membership Debate as SACP Eyes Independent 2026 Run
Mantashe also weighed in on tensions surrounding dual membership between the ANC and its alliance partner, the South African Communist Party (SACP).
The SACP has resolved to contest the 2026 elections independently, criticising the ANC-led government of national unity for bringing the DA into the fold — which it argues does not prioritise the interests of black people and workers.
He stressed that the NEC had not moved to block dual membership.
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“No, the NEC has not taken that decision. There is dual membership. Every individual will make a decision. It is not the NEC’s decision,” he said.
Mantashe, who belongs to both organisations, said each member must decide how to engage politically.
“It is my decision. What do I want to do with my membership? I’m a member of both parties, and I will have to decide which party I campaign for.”
He was unequivocal about his vote in the upcoming elections: “I will vote for the NEC. I’m the National Chairperson of the NEC.”
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