Johannesburg – As the African National Congress (ANC) grapples with internal succession debates and prepares for the 2026 local government elections, party chairperson Gwede Mantashe has declared he will not be contesting for the top position, citing his age as a determining factor.
Mantashe, speaking on the sidelines of the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at the Birchwood Hotel on the East Rand, stated firmly: “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 meeting is convened to review the party’s performance during its current term.
His announcement comes amidst growing speculation and positioning among senior ANC leaders vying for key roles as President Cyril Ramaphosa's term nears its end. While Mantashe has cautioned against premature discussions regarding Ramaphosa's successor before 2027, when his term as ANC president concludes, the undercurrents of ambition are palpable.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula have been widely touted as potential contenders for the party's top job. However, a third candidate has reportedly emerged, adding another layer of intrigue to the unfolding succession battle.
National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza is said to be entering the race, reportedly with the backing of senior party figures, including Ramaphosa, who previously supported Senzo Mchunu for the position.
Meanwhile, Police Minister Mchunu remains on special leave following allegations of corruption, political interference, and criminal collusion – accusations he has vehemently denied. A judicial commission of inquiry and a parliamentary ad hoc committee are currently investigating these allegations of misconduct within the South African Police Service and the broader justice system.
Addressing the ANC’s strategy for the 2026 local government elections, particularly in the metros, Mantashe emphasised that public sentiment, rather than party planning, poses the most significant challenge. “It’s not our plan. It’s the attitude of society towards us. What we should be doing is correcting that attitude,” he stated. “If we are not succeeding, we are not going to see any change in support.”
The ANC faces a formidable task in retaining and regaining key urban municipalities in 2026, amidst persistent corruption allegations, governance failures, and declining service delivery. The party has yet to announce its mayoral candidates for the metros, further intensifying the anticipation surrounding the upcoming elections.
Mantashe also addressed concerns regarding dual membership between the ANC and its alliance partner, the South African Communist Party (SACP), which has resolved to contest the 2026 elections independently. The SACP has been critical of the ANC-led government of national unity for including the Democratic Alliance (DA), arguing that it does not represent the interests of black people and workers.
Despite these tensions, Mantashe stressed that the ANC has not banned dual membership. “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 clarified.
Holding membership in both organisations himself, Mantashe asserted that each individual must decide how to utilise their membership. “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 affirmed his commitment to the ANC, stating that he will vote for the party in the upcoming elections, and not the communist party. “I will vote for the NEC. I’m the National Chairperson of the NEC."
As the ANC navigates these complex dynamics, the coming months promise to be a period of intense political manoeuvring as the party seeks to address internal challenges and regain public trust ahead of the crucial 2026 local government elections.
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