Magashule declines Phadi's 2029 presidential nomination

Former MK leader wants new electoral system

- By Tshwarelo Eseng Mogakane

Former ANC secretary-general Ace Magashule has turned down an invitation to contest South Africa's 2029 presidential elections under a new movement pioneered by former Mpumalanga MK Party leader Mary Phadi.

This was revealed by Phadi, who added that they were now girding their loins to approach former Chief Justice Mogoeng Mogoeng and former EFF spokesperson and MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi to be the presidential face of the movement, which might change how South Africans choose leaders.

"We've already identified Mogoeng Mogoeng and will be approaching him soon. We initially tried Ace Magashule, but he stated he was not interested, so now we are busy with a list we can present to the nation after next year's local government elections," she said.

Asked why Magashule declined, Phadi said the former Free State premier said he was too long in the tooth to be president in 2029. "Magashule told us that he is turning 70, and it won't make sense for him to run the country at that age," she said.