By Palesa Matlala
- Thoko Didiza told members of the African National Congress to stop wasting time on leadership battles and focus on winning the next elections.
- Fikile Mbalula said the National General Council will not discuss who might replace President Cyril Ramaphosa before the 2027 conference.
The African National Congress is meeting this week — but it will not be talking about who might replace President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Speaker of Parliament Thoko Didiza has warned members to stop fighting over leadership and focus on saving the party before the 2026 local and 2029 national elections.
“We need to refocus on our core responsibilities,” said Didiza.
“Our primary goal should be to change lives for the better.”
Secretary General Fikile Mbalula told journalists the party’s National General Council (NGC) will focus on unity, rebuilding and preparing for the elections.
“President Ramaphosa remains at the centre of this gathering,” he said.
“Our focus is on renewing the party.”
The four-day meeting is taking place at Birchwood Hotel in Boksburg.
Rumours about Ramaphosa’s replacement have been growing, especially after the African National Congress lost ground in places like Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal.
Some members have mentioned Didiza, Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Justice Minister Ronald Lamola and Electricity Minister Kgosientsho Ramokgopa as possible future leaders.
But Mbalula said no names would be discussed.
He called the gossip “petty party politics” and said the NGC would not be distracted by it.
Didiza agreed and said the meeting should be used to unite the party and make progress — not to argue over who is next in line.
Pictured above: Speaker Thoko Didiza at the ANC council.
Image source: @MyANC
