Mashatile downplays ANC presidential ambitions as Mbalula shuts down succession talks

African National Congress (ANC) deputy president Paul Mashatile has downplayed his presidential ambitions, saying his focus is on fixing local government.

With the ANC's national elective conference set for next year, soft campaigns have already been launched by some candidates.

However, during the ANC's Lekgotla this weekend, the party’s Secretary General, Fikile Mbalula, gave a stern warning to members about campaigning so far ahead of time.

From Thabo Mbeki, Kgalema Motlanthe, Jacob Zuma to Cyril Ramaphosa, ANC deputy presidents have historically ascended to the top position since 1994.

The current ANC deputy president, Mashatile, has been seen by some in the party as the natural successor to Ramaphosa in 2027.

However, Mashatile says he is not thinking about that, at least for now.

RELATED: ANC succession talks heat up, DA leadership contest looms

"I think we should all agree that at some point, probably after the local government elections, the issue of debates, discussion about succession will be made open. For now, we are focusing on local government, let’s fix local government, that’s our pre-occupation. We will attend to those issues at the right time, for now our people want better services where they live and that’s where you going to find us."

Mbalula said any 2027 campaigning is banned until the party’s National Executive Committee makes a pronouncement.