Political insiders have revealed that the faction aligned with President Cyril Ramaphosa within the African National Congress (ANC) is backing a fresh contender to challenge Deputy President Paul Mashatile for the party’s top position ahead of the next national elective conference.
Sources within the ruling party said the move is part of a strategic effort to consolidate support for the Ramaphosa-aligned camp and present a credible alternative to Mashatile, who currently enjoys strong backing from influential provincial structures and key party veterans. The identity of the proposed candidate has not been officially disclosed, but political analysts suggest that the choice will likely be someone with a reputation for reform, loyalty to Ramaphosa, and the ability to appeal to both grassroots members and senior party officials.
The development comes amid growing speculation about internal power dynamics in the ANC, with factions increasingly positioning themselves ahead of the party’s elective conference. Observers say that the Ramaphosa camp is seeking to counterbalance Mashatile’s rising influence and ensure that policy continuity and reformist agendas championed by the current president are preserved within party structures.
Political analyst Sipho Khumalo noted that the emergence of a new candidate signals a shift in the ANC’s internal calculus. “The Ramaphosa-aligned faction is clearly concerned about consolidating its influence and is looking to introduce a candidate who can unify reformist elements while challenging Mashatile’s growing dominance,” Khumalo said.
The announcement has sparked reactions across ANC structures, with supporters of Mashatile warning that any alternative candidacy could deepen factional divides and complicate efforts to maintain unity ahead of upcoming elections. Meanwhile, members sympathetic to Ramaphosa argue that presenting a fresh option is necessary to inject new energy into the party’s leadership and maintain momentum on key reform initiatives.
The Ramaphosa-aligned faction is expected to formalize its candidate selection in the coming weeks, ahead of internal consultations and provincial branch meetings. Party insiders suggest that the announcement will be carefully timed to maximize support while minimizing internal friction, highlighting the high-stakes nature of leadership battles within the ANC.
As speculation continues, political observers are closely watching developments, noting that the contest between the Ramaphosa-backed candidate and Mashatile could redefine the balance of power within the ANC and influence South Africa’s political landscape in the years to come.