Johannesburg – Limpopo Premier Phophi Ramathuba is being touted as a potential candidate for the deputy president position within the African National Congress (ANC) ahead of its 2027 national congress. Calls are mounting for Ramathuba to enter the race, fuelled by increasing pressure for the ANC to elect a female deputy president.
However, Ramathuba faces a significant hurdle: she must first secure victory in the Limpopo provincial conference. A win there would significantly strengthen her position and provide her with the necessary bargaining power to contend for the deputy presidency of the ruling party. She is expected to compete for the top position in the ANC within the province, facing a formidable challenge from Polokwane mayor John Mpe.
Even if Ramathuba overcomes Mpe, she will encounter a crowded field of other female hopefuls also vying for the ANC's number two position. This factor adds another layer of complexity, as geographical representation often plays a crucial role in the ANC's leadership selection process.
Several other prominent figures from Limpopo have also been mentioned as potential contenders for the deputy president role. These include ministers in the presidency, Maropene Ramokgopa and Khumbudzo Ntshavheni. Furthermore, Dr Gwen Ramokgopa and Mmamoloko Kubayi, while primarily based in Gauteng, could also be considered as having Limpopo connections, further intensifying the competition.
As it stands, the race for ANC deputy president appears set to be highly contested in the lead-up to the next national congress. Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane has also been mentioned as a potential candidate for the deputy president position.
Despite the presence of these six prominent female contenders – Mokonyane, the two Ramokgopas, Ntshavheni, Kubayi, and Ramathuba – several male hopefuls are also expected to enter the fray. These include Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane.
Furthermore, there is a lobby group attempting to persuade ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula to run for the deputy president position, allowing current Deputy President Paul Mashatile to ascend to the top office. However, this campaign has so far failed to gain significant traction, as have efforts to convince Mbalula to remain in his current role as the party's administration chief.
Another ANC office destined for intense competition is that of treasurer-general, currently held by Dr Ramokgopa. While figures such as Andile Lungisa, Mzwandile Masina, Pule Mabe, and Bejani Chauke are reportedly considering another run after failing to secure the position at the last national conference, NEC member Nkenke "Nat" Kekana has unexpectedly thrown his hat into the ring. His campaign, though currently operating below the radar, is said to be gaining momentum.
In the contest for the crucial Secretary-General post, NEC member Mdumiseni Ntuli and Northern Cape provincial chairperson Zamani Saul are currently considered the frontrunners. Mokonyane is also being urged to put her name forward for this position, seen as a natural progression from her current role as deputy. Mabuyane is also reportedly considering a run for the position of national chairperson.
As for the top job itself, the two main contenders, for now, are Mashatile and Mbalula, with several other less prominent figures also hoping to enter the race. These potential candidates include Parliament Speaker Thoko Didiza, Electricity Minister Sputla Ramokgopa, and billionaire Patrice Motsepe. The political landscape remains fluid, and the coming months are likely to see further shifts and realignments as the ANC prepares for its crucial 2027 national congress.
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