Opinion polls suggest he would command more support from both ANC voters and the wider public than either Deputy President Paul Mashatile or ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula (AC Vol 67 No 8 DA triumvirate bets on black votes to break its political ceiling)...

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is the strongest organisational operator in the field...

Either of the leading internal contenders for the succession – Deputy President Paul Mashatile or Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula – risk hastening the party's descent say outsiders (AC Vol 67 No 5 Patrice Motsepe isn't running for the Presidency – but his campaign won't listen & Vol 67 No 6 Madlanga tests presidential power)...

He has worked hard to show support for both Ramaphosa and the current Deputy President Paul Mashatile who until recently was seen as the most likely successor...

The current fear in business circles is that the latter is more likely if ANC heir apparent Deputy President Paul Mashatile takes over the leadership at the ANC's elective conference in December 2027...

What is clearer is that policymakers in countries hit hard by the US approach and now benefiting from Beijing's tariff-free policy should be encouraging exports to China as recognised by South Africa's Deputy President Paul Mashatile in Beijing just days before the 30% US tariff landed (AC Vol 66 No 16 Tariff calamity deepens rift with Washington & Dispatches 22/9/25 Ramaphosa faces crunch time on Trump tariff talks)...

It is no secret within the ANC that Ramaphosa is unenthused about the current choices on offer for the party's next president: Vice-President Paul Mashatile or ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula...

Deputy President Paul Mashatile is seen as the frontrunner – despite facing corruption allegations and leaning towards populist factions...

The process will be led by an inter-ministerial committee chaired by Deputy President Paul Mashatile whose support is waning amid reports linking him to negotiations over the multi-million rand lottery licence...