The African National Congress has expressed strong disapproval of the so-called ‘PM27’ campaign, which promotes mining magnate Patrice Motsepe as a potential candidate for the party’s 2027 presidency. The party emphasised that leadership campaigns before the national elective conference are discouraged, in order to maintain unity and prioritise immediate organisational objectives.
In a statement released on Tuesday, ANC spokespersons said the party remains committed to focusing on service delivery, policy implementation, and stabilising internal structures ahead of the next national conference. “Premature leadership campaigns risk factionalism and distract from the ANC’s core mandate to serve the people,” the statement read.
The PM27 initiative, which has gained visibility on social media and among some supporters, has sparked debate about the role of external figures in ANC leadership discourse. Analysts note that Motsepe, while influential in business circles, has not formally declared political ambitions within the party, making the campaign controversial.
Political commentators suggest that the ANC’s firm stance signals an effort to curb factionalism and manage internal expectations ahead of 2027. Early leadership manoeuvres, they argue, could destabilise provincial structures and shift attention from pressing socio-economic issues facing the country.
The ANC also reiterated that its internal processes and elective conferences are the legitimate platforms for discussing leadership succession. Party officials warned that unofficial campaigns, especially those involving prominent non-members, could undermine cohesion and credibility.
Observers note that the PM27 campaign reflects growing public interest in the ANC’s succession dynamics, highlighting the tension between aspirational leadership narratives and formal party protocols. The ANC’s condemnation underscores its determination to prioritise organisational stability over speculative political positioning in the run-up to the 2027 conference.