Nomvula Mokonyane, the ANC’s First Deputy Secretary-General, has thrown her hat into the ring for the party’s presidency in 2027, stirring up a lively debate across South Africa. Known affectionately as “Mama Action,” Mokonyane shared her ambitions on the Sunday Times Politics Weekly podcast, hosted by Mike Siluma, where she made a passionate case for women to take center stage in the ANC’s leadership. “If the ANC is ready for a woman president, and I’m nominated, I’m in,” she said with conviction, pointing out that it’s high time women in the party step up and make their voices heard.
Mokonyane, who broke barriers as Gauteng’s first female premier from 2009 to 2014, didn’t hold back. She called out the ANC’s male-dominated history, noting it’s had “five men and just one woman” at the helm. “We can’t keep letting men use women’s rights as a talking point to push their own agendas,” she argued, echoing recent frustrations from leaders like Dr. Gwen Ramokgopa about the lack of real support for women in the party. At 62, Mokonyane’s no stranger to the ANC’s inner workings, having served as a minister under Jacob Zuma and holding a key role in the National Executive Committee since 2007. Her current gig as First Deputy Secretary-General, secured in 2022, makes her a heavyweight in the race to succeed President Cyril Ramaphosa.
She also took a swipe at the Government of National Unity (GNU), calling it a shapeless “amoeba” and a step back for the ANC, though she believes it could hold until the 2029 elections if everyone plays nice. Mokonyane didn’t mince words about the Democratic Alliance, accusing them of being the GNU’s “most irresponsible” partner, especially over budget disputes and meddling in foreign policy.
South Africans, as always, didn’t hold back their opinions on X. Some are cheering her on, seeing her as a fierce leader who could shake up the ANC’s old guard. “Nomvula’s got the experience, and her Gauteng roots could give her an edge over folks like Paul Mashatile,” one user posted. Others are buzzing about the 2027 race, throwing her name in with big shots like Patrice Motsepe and Fikile Mbalula, with one saying, “It’s game on!”
But not everyone’s sold. Critics are digging up her past, like the 2013 claim she wanted “dirty votes” to oust Zuma—a charge she’s repeatedly denied. Her name also popped up in the Zondo Commission over alleged Gupta ties, which she’s brushed off as political attacks. “With the ANC’s support already down to 40%, we need new blood, not more of the same,” one X user vented. Some posts were even harsher, predicting the ANC’s vote share could tank below 20% by 2026 or calling for the party to dissolve entirely. A few expressed worry about female leaders with baggage, name-dropping Naledi Pandor, while others stressed the need for Black leaders to unite to avoid splitting votes in 2029.
Still, Mokonyane’s fans are standing firm. “She’s been in the trenches for the ANC and could bring fresh energy,” one supporter tweeted. Another simply declared, “Nomvula Mokonyane for ANC president, 2027!”
As the ANC grapples with its future and the GNU’s challenges, Mokonyane’s bold move has everyone talking. Whether she’ll clinch a nomination is anyone’s guess, but she’s definitely sparked a fire about women leading the charge in South African politics. With 2027 on the horizon, all eyes are on how this plays out.
