Money Over Merit? How Wealth Is Reshaping Leadership in the ANC

Political analysts are sounding the alarm about a deepening trend within the African National Congress (ANC): the increasing dominance of money over merit in leadership contests. As the party heads towards its 56th national elective conference in December 2027, concerns are growing that financial muscle now plays a more decisive role in leadership outcomes than actual political experience or service credentials.

Cash, Not Credentials

Independent political analyst Joe Mhlanga says the ANC’s internal politics have become so reliant on campaign financing that they threaten the party’s ability to govern with integrity.

“In the ANC, it’s no longer about the qualities of leadership or service records — it’s about who can mobilise the most resources,” said Mhlanga.

“To win a conference, history reminds us that one needs to raise at least R2 billion. Money has become the real currency of power in the ANC.”

He referenced the controversial CR17 campaign that helped Cyril Ramaphosa rise to power, noting that over R2 billion was raised to secure influence — a trend that seems to have become a norm.

Is Motsepe Eyeing the Presidency?

Adding fuel to the speculation, whispers in political corridors suggest billionaire businessman and CAF president Patrice Motsepe could be positioning himself for a leadership bid. While he hasn’t made any public declaration, insiders say groundwork for a campaign — informally dubbed “M27” — may already be underway.

“Motsepe will only engage publicly after the ANC’s Bilateral General Meeting,” a source told IOL. “For now, he’s observing quietly and waiting for the right moment to speak.”

Motsepe has so far declined to comment publicly on the matter.

ANC Calls for Silence on Succession

Despite growing speculation, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has called for party leaders to avoid public succession talk.

“We want to avoid factions and division,” he said from Luthuli House. “Let’s focus on uniting the party and preparing for the conference.”

However, political chatter continues, with names like Deputy President Paul Mashatile, Mbalula himself, and Police Minister Bheki Cele being floated as potential contenders.

Political Fallout

Mhlanga warns the ANC is at risk of losing further voter trust if it continues down the path of financial gatekeeping.

“The ANC must return to traditional politics, honest debate, policy focus, and service delivery,” he said.
“Otherwise, the cycle of money-driven leadership will persist, and the party’s relevance will continue to decline.”

Earlier this year, the ANC moved to restructure its troubled provincial structures in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, two provinces where support has been slipping.

Mbalula reshuffled leadership subcommittees and provincial deployees in a bid to stabilise internal structures and recover lost political ground.

Provincial Pressure and Zuma’s Shadow

In Gauteng, voters have shifted focus from party loyalty to governance and results. But governance instability has hurt public trust.

In KwaZulu-Natal, the rise of the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) party and the continued influence of former President Jacob Zuma have created additional challenges.

Dr Metji Makgoba, a political lecturer at the University of Limpopo, explained:

“Zuma’s charisma, cultural ties, and traditional authority make it difficult for the ANC to reclaim ground in KZN. Added to this are tensions between traditional councils and ANC provincial leadership, which hamper progress.”

A Party at a Crossroads

With the 2027 elective conference on the horizon, the ANC is being forced to reckon with a hard truth: the commodification of leadership is costing it credibility.

If the party hopes to survive and reconnect with ordinary South Africans, analysts say it must return to its founding values — and restore faith in a political culture driven not by billions, but by bold ideas and ethical leadership.

{Source: IOL}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com