Now is not the time for ANC leadership succession discussions, says Ramaphosa

JOHANNESBURG - African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa has delivered a strong warning to party members, urging them to refrain from premature discussions regarding leadership succession.

With the ANC’s next elective conference scheduled for 2027, some have seemingly begun campaigning for positions in the top seven.

Delivering his closing remarks at the National Executive Committee (NEC)’s special sitting on Sunday, Ramaphosa touched on the leadership.

The ANC’s last elective conference was held in December 2022, which re-elected Ramaphosa as president, Paul Mashatile as his deputy, and Fikile Mbalula as secretary-general.

Ramaphosa said this leadership collective had only been at the helm for two years, and discussions about succession were premature.

"There will be time for disciplined discussion as well as engagements on the issues of leadership succession. Now is not that time."

He said there are other pressing issues to worry about.

"Right now, the ANC must focus on rebuilding the organisation and must focus on preparing also for the local government elections in 2026."

Ramaphosa said ANC members must steer clear of engagements that could destabilise the party.