A debate is raging within the ANC Eastern Cape over the looming battle for dominance between the party’s provincial chairman Oscar Mabuyane and secretary Lulama Ngcukayitobi.

Insiders say Mabuyane, an ally of President Cyril Ramaphosa, is unlikely to run for president at the 2026 elective conference.

It is proposed to redeploy it, thus paving the way for others.

Mabuyane unlikely to run for president

“The idea of ​​a competition between Mabuyane and Ngcukayitobi is abandoned.

“How do you challenge someone who is already serving a second term? What is important is to ask: who will succeed Oscar at the end of his mandate? said an Eastern Cape-based insider.

This leaves Ngcukayitobi as the second most serious contender, but some express reservations, saying he lacks charisma.

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“Ngcukayitobi does not have the charisma to be a leader. You don’t even know where he stands ideologically and intellectually. He does not fit into the leadership fold,” the source said.

“Someone who succeeds Mabuyane should be able to continue his good legacy in provincial administration.

“Our infrastructure has improved under Mabuyane and his successor will have to continue this, it is a huge challenge.”

“A huge challenge”

At the 2022 ANC national conference, Mabuyane entered the party’s vice-presidential race, alongside Ronald Lamola and Paul Mashatile.

The position was eventually taken by Mashatile, who became the country’s vice president.

Mabuyane could try to run for the position again in 2027, but more people are expected to enter the race for number two.

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Some have put forward the name of Gauteng ANC provincial chair Panyaza Lesufi and secretary-general Fikile Mbalula as potential contenders, as both have ambitions to replace Ramaphosa as leader of the country.

National President Gwede Mantashe is also mentioned as a likely candidate in the presidential race, but has hinted he will withdraw.

Another senior alliance member with intimate knowledge of the matter said Mashatile could be allowed to take over smoothly from Ramaphosa, with everyone else vying for the deputy position.

ANC national succession

“One thing I can tell you, Mashatile will not be president of this country.

“We could have two centers of power because no one will challenge Ramaphosa… he will complete his second term,” the source said.

“I don’t see a situation where Ramaphosa could be recalled. He has become so powerful that the DA would not allow Mashatile to become president of the SA, let alone lead or chair the GNU with all his shenanigans.

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