Tokyo Sexwale Emerges as Potential Challenger for ANC Presidency Ahead of 2027 Conference
The race to succeed Cyril Ramaphosa as president of the African National Congress (ANC) is beginning to take shape, with billionaire and Robben Island veteran Tokyo Sexwale emerging as a significant contender. A concerted effort by a lobby group in KwaZulu-Natal is pushing for Sexwale’s return to frontline politics, framing him as the leader necessary to reverse the party’s declining electoral fortunes.
- A lobby group called the “Tokyo/Mvela Perspective” is formally promoting Tokyo Sexwale for the ANC presidency.
- The movement is driven by concerns over the current National Executive Committee’s (NEC) handling of electoral decline.
- Sexwale is positioned as a “bridge figure” combining struggle credentials with governance experience.
- Other potential contenders include Patrice Motsepe, Paul Mashatile, and Fikile Mbalula.
The “Tokyo/Mvela Perspective” and the Call for Renewal
The push for Sexwale’s candidacy is led by a group known as the “Tokyo/Mvela Perspective,” which is backed by ANC structures in KwaZulu-Natal. The group has produced a formal written motivation document titled “Motivation for Consideration of Tokyo Sexwale for ANC Presidency.” Rather than presenting Sexwale as a declared candidate, the document serves as a “conversation starter” to stimulate internal debate within the party.
The motivation paper argues that the ANC is at a critical juncture and requires a leader who possesses a specific blend of “struggle credentials, governance experience, ethical standing and strategic insight.” The document emphasizes the need to balance “renewal with continuity,” suggesting that Sexwale is uniquely positioned to offer a leadership style grounded in discipline, integrity, and service.
Addressing Electoral Decline and Leadership Fatigue
The movement to bring the 73-year-old former Gauteng Premier back into the political arena is a direct reaction to the ANC’s recent performance. The motivation paper explicitly states that the current leadership collective—specifically within the National Executive Committee (NEC)—cannot be “simply recycled without consequence” given the party’s electoral decline.
Mukelani Lushaba, a campaigner for Sexwale’s return, indicated that support for the move is growing. According to Lushaba, there is majority support in several branches in eThekwini and other regions of KwaZulu-Natal. He described the prospect of Sexwale’s leadership as a “breath of fresh air” for the movement.
Discussions regarding Sexwale’s potential candidacy have reportedly spread across several key areas, including:
- Umlazi and KwaMashu (KwaZulu-Natal)
- Soweto (Gauteng)
- Gugulethu (Western Cape)
- Zwelitsha, Thembisa, and Soshanguve
A Complex Political Comeback
Sexwale’s potential return marks a significant shift in his political trajectory. His active participation in government came to a halt in 2013 after he was removed from the cabinet by former President Jacob Zuma. His re-entry into the leadership debate represents a challenge to the established order and reflects a yearning within certain party structures for a drastic transformation in the ANC’s direction.
The Competitive Landscape for 2027
While the “Tokyo/Mvela Perspective” is gaining traction, Sexwale is not the only name surfacing in the succession debate. The road to the 2027 elective conference is expected to be crowded, with other prominent figures also in contention, including:
- Patrice Motsepe: A billionaire businessman and influential party figure.
- Paul Mashatile: A high-ranking government official.
- Fikile Mbalula: A veteran party strategist and minister.
Conclusion
The emergence of Tokyo Sexwale as a possible candidate for the ANC presidency signals a growing appetite for leadership renewal within the party. By leveraging his history as a struggle veteran and his experience in governance, Sexwale’s supporters hope to provide a path toward restoring the ANC’s electoral dominance. As the 2027 elective conference approaches, the tension between the current NEC and these renewal-focused factions will likely define the party’s internal dynamics.