ANC deputy president Paul Mashatile and secretary-general Fikile Mbalula have quietly met to discuss peace talks aimed at avoiding a major leadership fight when President Cyril Ramaphosa steps down in 2027.
The meeting happened late last month at the home of businessman Reggie Kukama in Gauteng. Although it was presented as a social visit, the two senior ANC leaders are said to have used the chance to speak seriously about the future of the party. They reportedly agreed in principle that they would not compete against each other but instead run on the same team, with Mashatile as president and Mbalula as deputy president.
News of the gathering became public after Mbalula posted a photo of himself with Mashatile, which he later deleted when people started asking questions. Insiders say the discussion was very important because both men had been seen as possible rivals for the top job in the ANC once Ramaphosa leaves.
The two are said to have raised their concerns about whether they were enemies or allies. They also talked about disputes in the party, including issues of deployment and leadership succession. Some ANC members believe the tradition should continue where the deputy president automatically takes over when the president leaves. Others argue that the next leader should come from a younger generation, which would favour Mbalula.
After the meeting, the two leaders agreed that it would be better to work together for unity in the ANC. They believe that fighting each other could damage the party, which is already under pressure. There are also fears that a bitter contest could weaken the ANC further and hurt ordinary South Africans who depend on it.
The talks also touched on the growing push for businessman Patrice Motsepe to replace Ramaphosa. The campaign has raised concern among some leaders, with Mbalula already publicly rejecting it. Motsepe himself has not confirmed or denied the rumours, which has led to suspicion that he may be quietly preparing to run.
For now, Mashatile and Mbalula appear to have chosen peace and cooperation, as they try to keep the ANC united ahead of the 2027 leadership transition.