Is Mashatile the next ANC president?

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has urged all party members not to be enticed by leadership discussions.

His remarks come after Deputy President Paul Mashatile "soft launched" his campaign to lead the liberation movement during his Mofolo, Soweto, visit on Tuesday, 22 April.

Mashatile was ekasi to honour the Mofolo 4 combatants who spent more than 24 hours fighting against apartheid forces during the battle of Mutale River in 1988.

Asked if he was already doing work on the ground for the ANC's next elective congress, he said he didn't have to.

"All the branches know me by now," said Mashatile.

This suggested that he was ready to lead the party, if nominated.

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Mbalula said it was not yet time for members to position themselves.

"This will have its own time and space, and we will have plenty of time to reflect. We are a 40% party. Anyone who is engaged in this discussion and campaign doesn't appreciate the moment we find ourselves in as an organisation and a movement in general led by the ANC."

He said ANC members must be alert to the work of agent provocateurs who seek to drown the organisation in this unrewarding and destructive discussion.

Mbalula stated that, as the party's secretary-general, he will work alongside the collective he serves to promote discipline and cohesion within the ANC.

Without mentioning Mashatile's name, he emphasised that anyone who deviates from the discipline of the ANC will be taken to task, regardless of status.

"There are tough questions and choices to be made in the transformation of our country. The masses are looking for leadership, not individuals who are preoccupied with their own interests," said Mbalula.

The ANC will go into its elective conference in 2027.