The political corridors of the African National Congress (ANC) are ablaze with speculation following explosive claims by party insider Matlala who allegedly revealed that Water and Sanitation Minister Senzo Mchunu harbours ambitions to become the next ANC president and is already funding a quiet campaign to make it happen.
Matlala revelations described by insiders as a political bombshell have sent shockwaves through the governing party just months before its much-anticipated elective conference. Speaking under conditions of anonymity a senior ANC member confirmed that Matlala made the allegations during a closed provincial meeting last week, accusing Mchunu of assembling a silent but powerful lobby group to challenge the party’s current leadership.
According to the source, Matlala claimed Mchunu has been using his ministerial network to rally support among provincial structures in KwaZulu-Natal, the Eastern Cape, and Limpopo with promises of ethical renewal and stability within the ANC. He’s being packaged as the man who can restore credibility to the movement the insider said. “If these claims are true it signals a major shake-up within the top ranks.
The alleged bombshell comes at a delicate time for the ANC, which has been grappling with internal divisions, coalition tensions, and waning public confidence. Mchunu a seasoned party veteran and former KwaZulu-Natal premier has long been regarded as one of the ANC most disciplined and respected figures a reputation that now finds itself under intense scrutiny.
While Mchunu office has yet to issue an official statement, close associates have dismissed the allegations as politically motivated nonsense aimed at tarnishing his image ahead of internal power battles. “Minister Mchunu is focused on service delivery, not factional politics one aide insisted.
However, analysts say the timing of Matlala remarks cannot be ignored. It is not unusual for succession debates to heat up before an ANC conference noted political analyst Dr. Levy Ndou. What striking is the claim that financial resources are already being mobilized that changes the game entirely.
As the ruling party braces for yet another round of internal storms, ANC headquarters at Luthuli House has reportedly called for calm and warned members against spreading unverified rumours.
Still Matlala alleged exposé has ignited whispers of a brewing leadership showdown one that could reshape the ANC power map and throw the 2027 succession race wide open.
