'I am not aiming to be president'

The ANC treasury general said the party is focused on the 2026 local government elections

- Lunga Mzangwe

ANC treasurer general Gwen Ramokgopa has downplayed her presidential ambitions, saying the party has to prioritise next year's local government elections rather than the debate about who will succeed Cyril Ramaphosa.

"I would really appreciate it if I didn't get into the presidential succession debate. We have a very big challenge, which is the 2026 elections, that we must face together, united," Ramokgopa told journalists at the Progressive Business Forum in Hyde Park, Johannesburg, on Tuesday.

"It is also reasonable to expect debates on succession, because we know that the current president's term is coming to an end, but we have prioritised discussions on the 2026 local government elections."

Ramokgopa said she could still contribute, and make a difference in the ANC and society in general, without necessarily holding higher office.

"It's not like we are running away from anything, but we think it's in the best interests of society to get local government right, of stabilising the government of national unity, which is a new experience, and also giving hope to South Africans."