Standard Bank has flagged a “stealthy” run at the ANC presidency by treasurer general Paul Mashatile.
As ANC treasurer general Paul Mashatile’s home base meets to elect new leaders, it is almost certain that he will enjoy support to rise up the ranks in the ruling party come December, when it holds its national elective conference.
The two groups going head to head this weekend in Gauteng both have a relationship with Mashatile, but he has a closer link to Lebogang Maile, who was considered his protégé in the province.
Both Mashatile and Maile hail from Alexandra and have often been labelled as part of the infamous “Alex mafia”, which saw the rise of leaders from the township to swell the ranks of both business and politics in the country.
Gauteng contender Panyaza Lesufi has also had a long-standing relationship with Mashatile, who, during his era as ANC chair in Gauteng, ensured that the former was part of his cabinet.
Mashatile is said to have attempted to consolidate the two factions in the past, calling for Maile to become Lesufi’s second in command in the province. This did not find support, with Maile and his allies holding the view that they stand a chance against Lesufi. Regardless, the call by Mashatile does not seem to have dented his popularity with both slates.
Mashatile has already received a nod from Limpopo, the second biggest province in the ANC in members. During its conference in May, Mashatile was viewed as a firm favourite for the position of ANC deputy president, with delegates singing songs in support of this.
Limpopo leaders linked to Danny Msiza have been consistent that Mashatile, together with provincial chair Stan Mathabatha must find a place among the party’s top six officials at the December conference.
Meanwhile, in the Eastern Cape, the treasurer general’s allies are said to have backed Babalo Madikizela who lost in the fractious provincial conference that affirmed divisions among its once-solid leadership. But while Madikizela lost against incumbent chair Oscar Mabuyane, a lieutenant of President Cyril Ramaphosa, his 45% stake in the province could prove invaluable to Mashatile in his bid.
To give context, the Eastern Cape is the second largest province in terms of ANC wards and boasts the third largest in membership. When Madikizela lost the bid for chairperson, he and his allies co-opted their home regions to maintain their power. Alfred Nzo, where the provincial player hails from, is considered to be larger than the Western Cape and Northern Cape provinces.
Another province which will soon go to its conference and likely support Mashatile, is the North West, where his ally Nono Maloyi enjoys support. Maloyi and ANC national executive committee (NEC) member Collen Maine are said to be working the ground to ensure Mashatile secures the province’s favour.
But Mashatile’s constant presence at some of the conferences might work against him, with some observers saying it might be the reason why some sections in Gauteng are re-considering backing his bid in December.
Mashatile’s biggest stumbling block in the province will be the other block aligned to Ramaphosa, believed to be the Chris Hani cabal as the ANC leaders are natives of the region in the Eastern Cape. Mabuyane, who is allied to the cabal, has also raised his hand for a position in the top six. Mashatile’s allies believe that he will only be able to get the deputy presidency if he is on Ramaphosa’s slate.
Some believe Mashatile is in a good position to further this ambition after he took over the secretary general’s office in January, while deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte was on leave. ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule was suspended from his post as he faces criminal charges.
Although those close to him say Mashatile is destined to be a leading contender for ANC president in 2027, party leaders have pointed out a slight flaw in his plans — deputy president David Mabuza.
Together with Mabuza, Mashatile ran his campaign for treasurer general on a unity ticket and the two emerged as part of the ANC’s top six. The two men were said to have ambitions of making it to their highest office in tandem.
As Mabuza battled an illness, some ANC insiders suggested he would hand over the reins and endorse Mashatile as his preferred candidate for deputy president.
This short-lived dream was however thwarted when Mabuza announced that he would be running for a second term.
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