After Deputy President Paul Mashatile was reportedly prepared to replace President Cyril Ramaphosa, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula says they have reached a consensus with Mashatile to halt succession talks for "now" and focus on reviving the bruised ANC.
This is after the ANC suffered "not surprising" blows in the 2024 national and provincial elections.
The party, for the first time since democratic South Africa, lost the outright majority which led to the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU).
Mbalula emphasised that instead of succession talks, the ANC must reflect on what caused their drastic downfall.
He also admitted that the talks were already taking place but they should not be a priority.
He has drawn a line to all the party structures that there will be consequences if he heard anything about who should lead the party.
"You speak, you will see. We will attend you, wherever it happens - Youth League, Women's League, Veterans League - nobody is allowed. We will also communicate this to our allies," he said.
Mbalula previously threatened that those talking about Ramaphosa's replacement will be met with the "strongest suppression they have never seen before in the ANC."
Mbalula was addressing a media briefing on the outcomes of the four-day special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting at Luthuli House in Johannesburg on Tuesday.
The meeting was held over the weekend in Boksburg, Ekurhuleni.
Mbalula is among potential candidates to challenge Mashatile in the upcoming competition to succeed Ramaphosa at what is anticipated to be a pivotal conference.
Gauteng ANC chairperson Panyaza Lesufi was also rumoured to be a participant in the race but he has since clarified that he was not interested.
The ANC will hold its elective conference in 2027.
Mbalula further underlined that, with the exception of a predetermined window that would be publicised, no ANC member will be allowed to participate in lobbying, leadership competitions, or self-promotion before their national conference.
The NEC also reaffirmed its commitment to giving the implementation of conference resolutions and the ANC's electoral agenda top priority, and any unapproved involvement in these activities will result in disciplinary action.
kamogelo.moichela@iol.co.za
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