# Patrice Motsepe has widened his lead in a theoretical race to become the next ANC president, according to a Social Research Foundation poll cited by News24. The African Rainbow Minerals chair is ahead of other potential contenders, including Deputy President Paul Mashatile and ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula. The poll does not represent a formal leadership election, and the ANC has yet to announce candidates for its 2027 national conference. Motsepe has previously denied having political ambitions, but his name continues to gain prominence in discussions about the party’s succession.
Patrice Motsepe leads theoretical ANC race