Panyaza Lesufi sidesteps Motsepe 2027 question, dismisses debate as ‘mute’

ANC Gauteng co-convenor Panyaza Lesufi declined to say whether he would support billionaire businessman and CAF president Patrice Motsepe in a potential bid for ANC leadership ahead of the 2027 elective conference.

He described the debate as “still mute” within the party.

The remarks come after T-shirts bearing the slogan “PM2027” began circulating widely on social media, fuelling speculation about a possible push for Motsepe. 

Motsepe has repeatedly insisted that he is “not available” for the position.

Lesufi made his comments while responding to a question about whether he would support someone of Motsepe’s stature at the ANC’s next conference.

He was speaking on Power Talk on talk radio station PowerFM on Friday, hosted by former EFF heavyweight Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.

Lesufi said with a laugh, “Dr Ndlozi, I thought you appreciate me, I thought you understand me, I thought you value me, I thought you have respect for my political party and my security. You know that if I answer that question I will be expelled.”

He added, “I will be expelled because the debate about the leadership of 2027 is still mute in the ANC.”

Ndlozi pressed him on whether Motsepe’s campaign was being taken seriously within party ranks.

Lesufi replied, “I am addicted to ideology. When you have to determine the leader that must lead the African National Congress, you have to subject that particular leader to those stunts that I believe in. I don’t want to start and open a can of worms.

“So for now, accept that the debate is mute, and at the right time, when the debate is open, I will join you and express my views on these things. Otherwise, by the time I leave here, I can get a WhatsApp call that my suspension is effective because I have entered the terrain that I was not allowed to enter.”

In a light-hearted moment, Ndlozi suggested that Motsepe would need to pass an “ideological test” to lead the ANC. 

Lesufi laughed and replied, “You said it, I didn’t say it,” as they exchanged pleasantries to close the show.

Last month, IOL News reported that ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said Motsepe should be “pumping money” into the ANC to help the party win the 2026 local government elections if he truly loves it, rather than pursuing the party presidency.

Speaking to the public broadcaster on January 20, Mbalula said he had not personally engaged with Motsepe regarding the leadership speculation.

“I don’t have to engage him. I will deal with the matter, as per the mandate given to me, with those who are perpetuating that,” Mbalula said.

When asked about the origin of the campaign, he added, “I don’t know where that comes from. If he’s a member of the ANC, he will know that there is an order in the organisation right now that matters of that nature will come.”

He said that if party members want Motsepe to become ANC president and he is a member in good standing, “that moment will come.”

“Why should we be busy with that now? He should be pumping money into supporting the organisation to win local government elections if he loves the ANC, and that is what we’re about,” Mbalula said.

He described the current speculation as chasing “ghosts.” 

“Because when I get to him, he’s going to say, ‘Where did I say I’m standing?’ That moment will come. He will pronounce himself and say that I’m standing as president of the ANC, and I’m asking for your support for the following reasons. I want to be president of the ANC, and I’m a member in good standing. Here is my branch.”

Mbalula said he was monitoring the “PM27” movement, which had already begun circulating on social media and WhatsApp. 

“We will deal with it accordingly in terms of ANC party discipline,” he added.

T-shirts bearing the slogan “PM2027” have been widely shared on social media, fuelling speculation about a potential push for Motsepe ahead of the ANC’s 2027 elective conference. 

The shirts, emblazoned with the word Savumelana, a call for unity, are being promoted online and, according to sources, more than 50,000 have allegedly been produced for distribution.

The ANC has distanced itself from the campaign, describing it as “mischievous” and inconsistent with party rules on early leadership campaigning.

Motsepe, who is also the brother-in-law of President Cyril Ramaphosa, has consistently dismissed leadership ambitions, insisting he supports the ANC without seeking elected office. 

Despite this, his name continues to surface as succession politics quietly intensify.

Some supporters see Motsepe’s business success and international stature as a potential remedy to the ANC’s internal challenges, while critics warn it risks deepening perceptions of elite capture and blurring the lines between political power and private wealth.

Ramaphosa is expected to step down at the end of his term, with the ANC’s next elective conference scheduled for 2027. 

Discussions about his successor are already underway, despite official warnings against premature campaigning.

IOL has previously reported that senior figures including Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Thoko Didiza, Fikile Mbalula, Ronald Lamola and Kgosientsho Ramokgopa are increasingly mentioned as potential contenders.

ANC national spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu previously told IOL that the party would not entertain speculation. 

“The ANC does not respond to leadership conjecture. Discussions will take place at the appointed time,” she said.

Bhengu declined to comment on possible action against those behind the T-shirt campaign.

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

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