Patrice Motsepe has been linked to an ANC presidency campaign.
Felix Dlangamandla/Gallo Images
The ANC has condemned the “PM27” campaign, urging all involved to stop immediately, citing its divisive nature and violation of national executive committee (NEC) resolutions.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu reaffirmed the NEC’s ban on leadership campaigns before the 2027 conference to protect unity and focus on governance.
Bhengu emphasised the ANC’s priority on local government elections, warning that premature leadership campaigns undermine organisational discipline and goals.
The statement comes in the wake of a News24 report on a PM27 Siyavumelana website that recently went live launching the campaign of billioner businessman Patrice Motsepe’s campaign.
Bhengu said the ANC movement would not allow ambitions to undermine organisational discipline and unity and that appropriate steps would be taken to ensure adherence to NEC decisions.
READ | PM27 campaign: Online ANC leadership bid in Motsepe’s name sparks intrigue, controversy
She said this was in line with the ANC’s constitution and the values that have sustained it for more than a century.
Bhengu added:
The national executive committee has taken a clear and principled decision that no leadership campaigns should be undertaken in the run-up to the 2027 national conference. This decision was informed by the 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.
She said any activity that seeks to mobilise for leadership positions prematurely stands in direct contradiction to this collective resolution.
“The ANC is currently seized with the critical task of preparing for and contesting the upcoming local government elections. Our structures, deployees and members are expected to direct all energy and resources toward strengthening governance, improving service delivery, rebuilding communities, and consolidating the confidence of the electorate,” said Bhengu.
