Former Presidents Jacob Zuma and Thabo Mbeki are reportedly being courted to run for the African National Congress (ANC) presidency in 2027. Lobbyists are pushing for their return, citing the need for experienced leadership to revive the party’s fortunes. Mbeki, who was recalled from the presidency in 2008, is seen as a symbol of the ANC’s lost coherence, while Zuma, who was ousted as ANC president in 2017, has maintained a strong support base ¹ ² ³.
The ANC is facing declining public trust and internal divisions, exacerbated by the formation of a Government of National Unity after losing its parliamentary majority in 2024. Mbeki has been critical of his successors, Jacob Zuma and President Cyril Ramaphosa, and has expressed concerns about the party’s direction ¹ ².
Zuma, who was formally expelled from the ANC in 2024 for forming his own party, uMkhonto weSizwe, has not publicly indicated whether he will contest the presidency. Mbeki, however, has not ruled out a comeback, saying the party needs leaders who can restore its dignity and moral authority ⁴ ¹ ².
The lobbying comes as the ANC prepares for its national general council in December, where potential candidates will begin testing their support and forming slates.
