Campaign Calls for Ramokgopa to Become ANC President

A social media campaign calling for Electricity and Energy Minister Kgosientsho “Sputla” Ramokgopa to become the next ANC president has sparked discussions within South African political circles.

An account supporting Ramokgopa’s potential leadership ambitions recently shared a video from the ANC’s local government election campaign trail, accompanied by a message urging him to take over the party’s leadership. Ramokgopa currently serves as Minister of Electricity and Energy and is also a member of the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC).

The campaign comes at a difficult time for the governing party following its disappointing performance in the 2026 local government elections. The ANC secured just over 30% of the national vote, representing a significant decline of more than 14 percentage points compared with the 2021 elections.

The poor results have intensified discussions about the party’s leadership and future direction. Former president Thabo Mbeki has also questioned whether the ANC’s current top seven leaders should remain in their positions, highlighting the party’s declining electoral support and the country’s persistent challenges, including unemployment and poverty.

Although Ramokgopa has previously been linked to possible leadership ambitions, he has not officially announced his intention to contest the ANC presidency in 2027. Reports suggest that some party members have encouraged him to consider the position, but he has maintained that the organisation should first address its immediate challenges.

Reactions to the social media campaign have been divided. While some believe it is too early to discuss succession, others argue that Ramokgopa could bring fresh leadership and direction to the struggling organisation. Supporters have pointed to his role in government, particularly efforts to address South Africa’s electricity crisis.

However, neither Ramokgopa nor the ANC has officially confirmed that the campaign forms part of a formal leadership bid.

With the ANC’s national elective conference expected in 2027, the battle over the party’s future leadership is gradually becoming a major talking point. Whether Ramokgopa’s growing online support develops into a serious political movement remains to be seen.

https://x.com/sputlaforpres/status/2120373536971694489

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