Paul Mashatile, Fikile Mbalula in unity talks for ANC's leadership contest

Duo discussed the future at a 'social gathering'

- By Mawande AmaShabalala

ANC second-in-command Paul Mashatile and the party’s administration boss, secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, are engaged in unity talks in efforts to avoid a destructive leadership contest to succeed President Cyril Ramaphosa.

The duo met late last month at the home of businessman Reggie Kukama in Gauteng in what was sold as a social gathering.

In that meeting, it was allegedly agreed in principle that the two would not contest each other.

Instead they will contest on one slate as president and deputy president, respectively.

It was Mbalula who spilt the beans about the gathering with Mashatile when he excitedly posted a picture of himself with the deputy president, which he has since deleted after triggering the curiosity of many, inside and outside the ANC.

Those with intimate knowledge of the powwow have alleged that serious issues involving the ANC were canvassed by the two political heavyweights before reaching common ground.