As calls for billionaire Patrice Motsepe to become the next president of the African National Congress (ANC) gain traction, experts assert that neither he nor former president Thabo Mbeki can rescue the party from its significant decline. Analysts emphasise that the deep-rooted issues plaguing the ANC require a comprehensive overhaul rather than a change in leadership.
Recent moves within some ANC factions to rally support for Motsepe as president have prompted debate, with earlier suggestions that Mbeki could return to reclaim the party’s lost respect. However, political analysts point out that the problem runs far deeper than who holds the esteemed title.
Independent researcher Dominic Maphaka is clear: “The ANC can only be saved by bottom-up cleansing within its ranks. The rot is too deep to be addressed by one individual without comprehensive cleansing at the lower ranks, such as in municipalities that are distant from the president.”
According to Maphaka, voters have recognised the ANC’s inability to bring about any meaningful change as long as corruption and incompetence persist in its ranks. “At a personal level, Motsepe cannot resonate with voters because of his proximity to the business community and the sitting president,” he added. “South Africans are still preoccupied with the non-existent new dawn and, thus, President Cyril Ramaphosa erodes Motsepe’s chances.”
While some ANC structures have started printing PM27 T-shirts in support of Motsepe’s anticipated campaign for the presidency at the party's national conference in 2027, Maphaka remains sceptical. He believes that even if Motsepe were to win the ANC presidency, he would struggle to claim the presidency of South Africa itself. “Voters are aware he will just maintain the status quo,” he warned.
Political analyst Professor Ntsikelelo Breakfast agrees, stating that the ANC, like all liberation movements, is plagued by large-scale institutional corruption, which includes fraud, corruption, state bribery, racketeering, and nepotistic practices. “This has angered the public toward the ANC,” he noted. “The contract has been terminated and the citizens have been let down. Brand ANC has been dealt a blow.”
The reputational damage sustained by the party, according to Breakfast, means that it could take years for the ANC to regain its footing. He insists that the party will not rise again, stating, “The ANC, or the brand, regardless of who is the leader – whether it’s Mbeki or Motsepe – will not get up off its knees.” He further advised Motsepe, given his esteemed reputation, to steer clear of the “rough game of politics,” arguing he does not require a political position to succeed.
Observers note a disturbing link between poor service delivery and declining voter turnout, stemming from the ANC’s failures in government. “The romanticism of the past will not work any more. We appreciate that many of them laid down their lives for freedom, but young people want to move on with the times,” Breakfast stated.
In the event that Motsepe decides to run for ANC president, he would likely face off against current Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who is expected to succeed Ramaphosa in line with party tradition. Initially, there were suggestions that National Chair Gwede Mantashe might vie for the top post, but he has since declined due to age considerations. Deputy Secretary-General Nomvula Mokonyane has indicated her willingness to contest as well.
Candidates looking to secure the deputy president position include Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, and Eastern Cape Premier Oscar Mabuyane—each of whom is reportedly eyeing Ramaphosa’s current role.
With mounting pressure and calls for reform, the ANC finds itself at a critical juncture. Experts agree that without significant internal change, the party faces a challenging road ahead, fraught with burdensome expectations and the scars of past failures. The situation begs the question: can the ANC truly cleanse its ranks and win back the trust of the voters?
Follow Us on Twitter
