ANC leadership race 2027: Dr Zweli Mkhize confirms willingness to serve
Former Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize has said he is not retiring from politics.
Image: File
Seasoned ANC leader Dr Zweli Mkhize has indicated his availability to contest for ANC national leadership, pending nominations from party members. In an interview this week with The Mercury sister paper, Isolezwe, Mkhize revealed that he does not intend to retire soon and would be available for national leadership should the ANC delegates want him in that role.
ANC members and political experts stated that Mkhize stands a good chance of being elected, as he still commands a lot of support and respect within the ANC membership and regional powerbrokers. However, they added that it would not be an easy task.
The ANC is expected to go into an elective conference around 2027, and to date, no other individual has emerged as a shoo-in for the position of party president. In 2022, Mkhize campaigned for the post of ANC president and came close but withdrew shortly before the party elections were to take place. He has held the posts of Minister of Health, ANC Treasurer General, and previously served as Premier in KwaZulu-Natal, among other roles.
His career suffered a setback after he was linked to the Digital Vibes scandal, which led to his resignation as Minister of Health. Mkhize currently serves as the chairperson of the Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs portfolio committee.
During the interview, Mkhize said “I am not retiring. What the people want me to do, I will still do it,” when asked if there was still a chance that he could contest for the ANC's top job.
An ANC rank-and-file member noted that Mkhize still commands significant support in the Midlands and the province.
“It will be his choice on what position he decides to contest for. Many of the power brokers in the province were mentored by him and are still very close to him. Even if they themselves are in opposing camps heading to the elective conference in the different regions, most, regardless of who wins the regional conferences, will still support Mkhize for any position he might wish to contest in the ANC.”
Political analyst Siyabonga Ntombela remarked that Mkhize has a slim chance of winning but added that he is also embroiled in corruption allegations involving Digital Vibes. He stated that the path to victory at the national level would be difficult.
“Now, a party claiming to be on the path of renewing itself cannot afford to have someone with a dark cloud hanging over his head. But anyway, it's the ANC we are talking about; anything is possible. Some may use these allegations to de-campaign and discredit him as an ideal leader.”
“We are informed that individuals like Paul Mashatile, Senzo Mchunu, and Fikile Mbalula are eyeing the party throne. However, the power lies with the branches and delegates,” he said.
Professor Musa Xulu stated that until the Digital Vibes scandal occurred when Mkhize was Minister of Health, he was politically cruising and could have been the most suitable candidate for the ANC Presidency.
“If he runs now, his opponents will bring up this episode. Once that is mentioned, he will have a cloud hanging above his head. That may negatively influence branches, especially from outside KwaZulu-Natal.”
He added that there is a dire quagmire in ANC electoral politics.
“Over the past 30 years or so, the ANC has had to boost its electoral fortunes by having one or two individuals from KwaZulu-Natal in its national top six or seven. Based on this, the ANC branches may be compelled to consider him for a position there, but getting to the Presidency may be an uphill task. The ANC needs someone who has not been an insider to ANC politics to turn itself around.”
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