Third Term Talk Sparks ANC Tension, But Mbalula Says Succession Debate Is Off the Table

As the ANC heads into its National General Council (NGC), one topic has already stirred up more heat than anything else the future of leadership after Cyril Ramaphosa. On the ground, in WhatsApp groups, media hallways and even among branches, there’s a growing buzz: Who takes the baton when Ramaphosa steps aside? Could he even push for a third term as party president?

But Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula isn’t entertaining that conversation, not now.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, he made it clear that succession is not up for discussion at the NGC starting Monday.

“Not 2025. Not 2026. 2027.”

Mbalula wasn’t ambiguous. He insists that leadership succession is a matter for branches and only in 2027, when the ANC heads into its next elective conference. Anything earlier, he says, would be a distraction from the party’s urgent mission: winning elections and rebuilding its image.

“This NGC will not discuss succession. This council is about renewal, unity and preparing the ANC to win elections.”

It’s a stern reminder from the SG, but also a sign that internal debates may be louder than the party lets on.

A Party Trying to Control Its Narrative

Behind the formal messaging is a reality that South Africans are not blind to:
The ANC has been bleeding support, battling factional divisions, and facing growing criticism for governance failures. To many in the party, discussing leadership isn’t a rebellion it’s survival planning.

Mbalula acknowledged that some members tried to force succession into the programme, hinting at internal tensions.

He says provincial structures and branch councils have “overwhelmingly defied” attempts to push the topic, and some delegates allegedly trying to cause disruptions won’t be at the NGC at all.

It’s a subtle way of saying: control has been tightened, and rogue voices are being kept in check.

So, could Ramaphosa actually get a third term?

Surprisingly, yes. Within the ANC constitution, a third term as party president is permissible.

However, there’s a catch.

He cannot run for a third term as President of South Africa.
So if Ramaphosa wanted to remain ANC leader but step back from national office, the rules allow it. Political analysts are already entertaining scenarios where Ramaphosa stays on as party stabiliser while a new face fronts the 2029 election campaign.

Mbalula was generous in his praise:

Ramaphosa led during state capture fallout, the pandemic, corruption battles, internal resistance and he’s “an asset” to the party.

But the question remains, does the ANC need continuity or renewal?

Public Reaction: Curiosity, cynicism and déjà vu

Online, South Africans are divided.
Some view Ramaphosa as stability in chaos. Others argue a third term conversation signals desperation, not confidence.

A few voice the sentiment that feels increasingly common:

“Not the same faces again.”

Others point out the irony, the ANC discourages succession talk, yet the speculation grows louder each day.

In taverns, taxis and Twitter timelines, people are already picking favourites.
The party may not want the debate, but the country is having it anyway.

Why this moment matters

The ANC enters this NGC facing pressure from every direction:
service delivery failures, coalition politics, youth unemployment, and an electorate that no longer votes loyally by default.

Whether the succession debate happens now or in 2027, the reality is unavoidable:

The ANC must decide what future it wants, continuity under Ramaphosa or the risk and promise of new leadership.

Shutting down the conversation may buy time, but it won’t silence it.

The NGC may be about renewal on paper, but South Africans are watching for something deeper, a sign of direction, not delay.

For now, Mbalula has drawn the line.
But political winds have a way of changing fast in South Africa.

And this leadership story is only just beginning.

{Source: The Citizen}

Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter , TikTok and Instagram

For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com