Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has distanced himself from an apparent campaign promoting him as a candidate for African National Congress (ANC) president, calling on those behind it to remove the campaign material and focus on rebuilding the party. Lesufi made his position clear in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, after a poster carrying the slogan “PL27 – Panyaza Lesufi for ANC President” began circulating, positioning him as a potential successor to President Cyril Ramaphosa at the party's
11/11/26 • 11 Lượt xem
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has distanced himself from an apparent campaign promoting him as a candidate for African National Congress (ANC) president, calling on those behind it to remove the campaign material and focus on rebuilding the party.
Lesufi made his position clear in a statement posted on X on Tuesday, after a poster carrying the slogan “PL27 – Panyaza Lesufi for ANC President” began circulating, positioning him as a potential successor to President Cyril Ramaphosa at the party's December 2027 national elective conference.
He said he was neither available for nor interested in taking up the proposed leadership responsibility, arguing that the ANC's immediate priority should be organisational renewal and unity.
“Those behind this, I politely and respectfully so, request that it be removed. Our focus should be on rebuilding the ANC and the renewal of our movement.
''I’ve stated on various platforms that I’m neither available for nor willing to take on this responsibility. Our priority is also on the unity of the alliance and progressive formations,” Lesufi said.
His response comes as succession discussions gather momentum ahead of the ANC's 56th National Conference, where the party is expected to elect a new national leadership in December 2027.
Lesufi's latest comments are consistent with his previous public position on the party's leadership discussions.
In February, IOL reported that Lesufi had cautioned ANC members against premature campaigning for the 2027 elective conference, insisting that the party should concentrate on its work rather than factional contestation.
Speaking at the ANC's 114th anniversary celebrations in Soweto, he said President Cyril Ramaphosa remained the party's president and should be allowed to complete his term.
“We see people already running around, whispering about the 2027 elective conference. Let us tell them now: 2027 is not on the agenda! We are not interested in factions or succession battles right now.
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