Race is on for SA's top job

They start eyeing plum posts after the elective conference.

- MANDLA MTHEMBU

It is common practice in ANC circles for its leaders to start identifying themselves for top positions at the next elective conference, just after emerging from one.

As much as the ANC leaders seek to be diplomatic about who should succeed whom by toning down their interests for high office, it is well-known that their preoccupation is on how they can garner more support to get promoted to higher ranks in the ANC and, ultimately, in government.

So it should come as no surprise that there are already talks and scheming about who will be in charge of the ANC ship after President Cyril Ramaphosa's vacates the top seat at the 2027 ANC national elective conference.

And it is no secret that Deputy President Paul Mashatile and ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula have ambitions to lead the party and the country.

On the other hand, there are calls that are currently feeding the incumbent Gauteng ANC chair and premier Panyaza Lesufi's hunger for the number one post.