Lesufi Asks Supporters to Remove ANC Presidency Image
The Gauteng premier says he is not willing to take the position of ANC president.
Updated on Nov. 11, 2026 in Elections
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Panyaza Lesufi, the ANC Gauteng chairperson and Premier of Gauteng, asked people to remove an image labelled 'PL27' promoting him as 'Panyaza Lesufi for ANC President'. He posted on X that he is not available for and not willing to take the position.
Why it matters
The post signals that Lesufi is not seeking the ANC's top job, which shapes expectations ahead of the party's leadership contest. He said the focus should be on rebuilding and revitalising the ANC rather than on individual candidacies.
Lesufi posted on X asking those sharing the 'PL27' image to remove it and stated he is not available for or willing to take the ANC presidency. The source does not report any vote counts or polling figures relating to the race.
The players
Panyaza Lesufi
Premier of Gauteng and ANC Gauteng chairperson, a senior figure in South Africa's governing party who has been widely viewed as a possible contender for national leadership.
African National Congress (ANC)
South Africa's governing party, which holds its leadership elections at periodic national conferences and is currently preparing for its next leadership contest.
The details
An image labelled 'PL27' with the text 'Panyaza Lesufi for ANC President' circulated online. Lesufi responded by posting on X, asking those sharing it to take it down and saying he would not accept the position.
Timeline
11 November 2026: Lesufi's request to remove the ANC presidency image is reported.
2027: The ANC is expected to hold its leadership election conference.
Political Context
Early declarations and public manoeuvring often precede the ANC's national leadership conferences, which determine the party's president. Lesufi's refusal to be drawn in suggests he is positioning himself away from an immediate national bid, while the party prepares for its contest next year.
For South African voters, the outcome of the ANC leadership contest can influence the direction of national and provincial policy. Lesufi's statement means Gauteng residents should not expect him to step up to the national presidency in the immediate term.
The takeaway
Lesufi has publicly ruled himself out of the ANC presidency for now, leaving the party's leadership race open ahead of next year's conference. Readers should watch the conference agenda for confirmed candidates rather than unverified campaign images.
What happens next
The ANC is expected to hold its leadership election conference next year, where the party will choose its next president.
Further reading
For more on the party contest, see Elections coverage across South Africa.
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