Campaigners for Dr Patrice Motsepe's PM27 Campaign are prioritising a decisive ANC victory in the upcoming local government elections, with the campaign for Motsepe only to kick off when ANC nominations process opens.
Image: Supplied
Campaigners for PM27, the campaign for Dr Patrice Motsepe to become ANC president in 2027 say their current focus in on ensuring the ANC claims victory in the upcoming local government elections.
The campaigners responded after the ANC earlier this week called for the campaign to desist with its activities warning that the party's National Executive Committee had decided that there would be no campaigning for positions before the local government elections.
One of Motsepe’s chief campaigners, Ishmael Mnisi said: “At present, our primary focus is on ensuring a decisive ANC victory in the upcoming local government elections. We believe that strong, effective local government is the foundation of service delivery and the broader renewal of our movement.
"Our campaign operation is currently dedicated to supporting efforts that consolidate the ANC’s grassroots presence and electoral strength across the country,” he said.
He explained that the PM27 Savumelana Campaign has established a 24-member National Coordination Structure and leadership, led by Comrade Thulani Ngesi as national convener and Ayanda Ngangelizwe as secretary.
“We have also formed nine provincial coordination teams to ensure engagement and mobilisation in all provinces,” Mnisi explained.
He added: “We are actively engaging ANC branches and structures nationwide, with a particular focus on building broad-based support at the grassroots level. Our campaign is witnessing encouraging support from branches in both urban and rural areas, and our provincial teams are working closely with regional and local ANC leaders to deepen our reach”.
The website states the “PM27 Campaign champions Patrice Motsepe as the most credible, unifying, and visionary leader to guide the African National Congress (ANC) and South Africa into a new era of integrity, growth, and unity.”
Mnisi said the campaigners were mindful of the ANC's processes, therefore the PM27 Campaign will only formally rally behind Motsepe’s candidacy for the ANC presidency once the national executive committee officially opens nominations for the 2027 national conference.
“At that time, we will also be in a position to openly campaign for other top five officials and members of the ANC national executive committee. Until then, our public activities are focused on strengthening the ANC’s local government performance and building unity within the movement,” he said.
Mnisi added that Motsepe appreciated the growing support from a diverse cross-section of ANC members and leaders who are committed his vision for renewal and ethical leadership.
For more stories from The Mercury, click the link THE MERCURY