ANC Condemns 'PM27' Campaign Backing Patrice Motsepe for 2027 Presidency

ANC Reaffirms Ban on Early Leadership Campaigns

The African National Congress (ANC) has issued a strong condemnation of the 'PM27' campaign, an initiative aimed at garnering support for billionaire businessman Patrice Motsepe to become the party's next president in 2027. The party's National Executive Committee (NEC) has taken a 'clear and principled decision' to prohibit early leadership campaigns in the run-up to its 2027 National Conference.

According to ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu, such activities are 'divisive, distract from the core work of the organisation, and amount to an attempt to derail the ANC from its historic mission and responsibilities'. The party emphasized that its current focus is on preparing for and contesting the upcoming local government elections, and that all structures, deployees, and members are expected to direct their energy towards strengthening governance and improving service delivery.

Details of the 'PM27' Campaign

The 'PM27' campaign, which has been active despite the ANC's stance, promotes Patrice Motsepe as a potential successor to President Cyril Ramaphosa. A dedicated website, PM27.org.za, has been launched, describing Motsepe as 'the most credible, unifying and visionary leader to guide the ANC and South Africa into a new era of integrity, growth and unity'. Campaigners have also been seen distributing T-shirts branded 'PM27 Savumelana', with 'PM' referring to Patrice Motsepe and '27' to the 2027 elective conference.

The campaign reportedly has a leadership structure, including a convenor, deputy convenor, forum secretary, and national heads for fundraising and security. However, Patrice Motsepe himself has publicly denied any political ambitions, stating he is 'not available' for the position and that he does not 'have to get into politics' to contribute to South Africa.

Context and Party Discipline

The ANC's condemnation comes as President Cyril Ramaphosa is expected to conclude his final term as party president at the 2027 elective conference, shifting attention to potential successors. The party's NEC decision against premature campaigning is rooted in a need to 'safeguard organisational unity, protect internal processes, and ensure that the movement remains focused on its immediate mandate to serve the people of South Africa'.

The ANC has warned that it 'will not allow ambitions to undermine organisational discipline and unity', and that 'appropriate steps will be taken to ensure adherence to the decisions of the NEC'. This aligns with previous party rules that govern leadership campaigns, including requirements for financial disclosure and prohibitions against certain campaign materials and slate politics. Motsepe, a prominent businessman and president of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is also the brother-in-law of President Ramaphosa.