Lesufi seeks 'alternatives' to politics

The Gauteng premier and ANC co-convenor said he won't stand for the provincial chair, nor would he be available for a top-seven position at national level

- Lunga Mzangwe

Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi, who is a co-convenor of the ANC in the province, says he will not stand for any of the party's top seven national leadership positions at its 2027 elective conference and is considering a departure from frontline politics.

In an interview with the Mail & Guardian this week, Lesufi said he was exploring alternatives to a political career after nearly four decades in public life.

"My entire life has been politics. I'm looking at alternatives outside politics, but I don't know which alternatives. I always tell people that I'm probably the only person on Mother Earth that has studied business administration at the master's level, but I've never had practice in that space," he said.

"I know nothing outside politics and I feel I can contribute better in other levels of society, it is something that is preoccupying me."

Lesufi's comments come amid some in Gauteng ANC circles calling for him to stand for a senior national post, including deputy president or secretary general, at the next national conference.

ANC Gauteng is backing deputy president Paul Mashatile for the ANC presidency at the 2027 national elective conference, and some provincial leaders are pushing for Lesufi to run for deputy president or secretary general.

Other factions in the ANC are rallying behind secretary general Fikile Mbalula as a potential candidate for either of the top two positions.

Lesufi's withdrawal from contesting for the provincial chair could open the door for rivals, including Lebohang Maile, whom he narrowly defeated at the 2022 Gauteng provincial conference.