Speaker Didiza enters ANC succession race

While much of the talk around who will replace ANC president Cyril Ramaphosa has focused on his deputy, Paul Mashatile, and party secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, a third candidate has emerged.

- Kyle Zeeman

National Assembly speaker Thoko Didiza has reportedly joined the race for the ANC's top job and has the backing of some party bigwigs.

The Sunday Times reported that she has already been introduced to potential funders.

"Number One [Ramaphosa] told those Stellenbosch fellows that he prefers Didiza over all these other people that are contesting," a source told the paper.

The concern, the paper's source added, is that she may not have the backing of ordinary members and will struggle to garner support from provinces.

Her candidacy is reportedly backed by Ramaphosa, who previously wanted Senzo Mchunu to succeed him.