‘I’m too old, not available and retiring soon’ | Gwede Mantashe slams door on ANC top job speculation

ANC chairperson Gwede Mantashe says that he will not contest the party’s top position, saying he is “too old” as succession debates begin to surface within the party.

This comes as senior ANC leaders start positioning themselves for key roles ahead of the end of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s term.

The party’s national executive committee is meeting at the Birchwood Hotel on the East Rand to review its work over the current term.

There has been speculation that the gathering could be used to push for Ramaphosa’s removal, but ANC leaders have repeatedly warned members against fuelling factional succession battles. 

Mantashe is among those who have cautioned against premature discussions on Ramaphosa’s successor before 2027, when his term as ANC president ends.

While Deputy President Paul Mashatile and secretary-general Fikile Mbalula have been widely mentioned as potential contenders, a third candidate has reportedly emerged. 

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza is said to be entering the race with backing from senior party figures, including Ramaphosa, who previously supported Senzo Mchunu to succeed him.

Meanwhile, Police Minister Mchunu remains on special leave following allegations of corruption, political interference and criminal collusion – accusations he has denied. 

A judicial commission of inquiry and a parliamentary ad hoc committee are investigating misconduct allegations within the South African Police Service and the broader justice system.

Speaking on the sidelines of the NEC meeting on Tuesday, Mantashe said the ANC’s elective conference is in 2027 and that succession talk is premature.

“People will put their names in their heads. They want to be elected. But that is premature at this point in time,” he said.

“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.”

Asked about the ANC’s strategy ahead of the 2026 local government elections, particularly in the metros, Mantashe said public sentiment - not party planning - was the biggest challenge.

“It’s not our plan. It’s the attitude of society towards us. What we should be doing is correcting that attitude,” he said.

“If we are not succeeding, we are not going to see any change in support.”

The ANC faces an uphill battle to retain and regain key urban municipalities in 2026, amid ongoing corruption allegations, governance failures and declining service delivery. 

The party has yet to announce its mayoral candidates for the metros.

Mantashe also addressed concerns over 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 criticised the ANC-led government of national unity for including the DA, which it argues does not represent the interests of black people and workers.

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 said.

Holding membership in both organisations himself, Mantashe said each person must decide how to use 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 added that he will vote for the ANC in the upcoming elections, but not the communist party.

“I will vote for the NEC. I'm the National Chairperson of the NEC.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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