ANC Chairperson Gwede Mantashe has removed himself from consideration in the party’s future leadership race, saying he no longer sees himself as a contender due to his age.
Speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the ANC’s fifth National General Council in Boksburg, the seventy year old senior leader made it clear that he has no intention of entering the succession debate.
The National General Council held at the Birchwood Hotel serves as a midterm review of the party’s progress since the twenty twenty two elective conference. Although not an event where leaders are elected, it is often viewed as a testing ground for those exploring potential bids for higher office.
Signs of early positioning were visible when Secretary General Fikile Mbalula who is widely rumoured to have presidential ambitions received an extended ovation from delegates after presenting the party’s midterm report.
Mantashe however insisted that the gathering should not be used to advance leadership agendas, noting that discussions about succession remain premature. He stressed that he will not be available for nomination and described himself as a retiree who has passed the age of seventy.
The ANC’s current leadership including President Cyril Ramaphosa will complete its term in twenty twenty seven.
Facebook Comments