Johnson Progress

National Assembly Speaker Thoko Didiza has thrown her hat into the ring as a contender to succeed Cyril Ramaphosa as African National Congress (ANC) president, with insiders revealing she’s being backed by Ramaphosa himself and party national chairperson Gwede Mantashe.

According to sources, Didiza’s candidacy is gaining traction, with her being introduced to ANC funders and big businesses, including those from Stellenbosch.

An insider claimed Ramaphosa prefers Didiza over other contenders, stating, “Number One told those Stellenbosch fellows that he prefers Didiza over all these other people that are contesting.”

Mantashe, however, denied backing Didiza, saying, “Don’t create stories and use our names… it is your view. It has nothing to do with me and the President.”

Didiza, a former Minister of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development, is expected to face off against Deputy President Paul Mashatile and ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula for the top post.

Mashatile is believed to have Gauteng, North West, and some parts of Limpopo behind him, while Mbalula is consolidating the Free State and making inroads in Mpumalanga.

However, Didiza’s support base is unclear, with some ANC leaders describing her candidacy as “stillborn”.

A senior party leader questioned, “So where will Thoko get her support?”

Didiza’s past rejection by Tshwane residents in 2016, which led to widespread protests, is also being cited as a potential obstacle.

The ANC is seeking to revitalize its dwindling support base, and Didiza’s candidacy is seen as an attempt to install a female leader for the first time.

Ramaphosa has been empowering women’s leadership in the party and state, and insiders believe he’s backing Didiza as his successor.

If successful, Didiza’s slate is likely to include Eastern Cape provincial chair Oscar Mabuyane and a leader from KwaZulu-Natal.

The national general council, starting tomorrow, is expected to be tense, with Didiza’s candidacy likely to create friction among supporters of Mashatile and Mbalula.