We’ve made it easier for you to know the ANC’s top six with this guide

Cyril Ramaphosa, president

Cyril Ramaphosa. Picture: Yeshiel Panchia

His addition to Zuma’s top six leadership sought to bring comfort to investors because of his proximity to business. Ramaphosa played a critical role as one of the architects of the country’s National Development Plan as the chairperson of the national planning commission. His victory over Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma made an immediate impact on the rand, a sign investors believe – should he become state president – he is the right man to save the country’s ailing economy.

David Mabuza, deputy president

Mpumalanga premier David Mabuza. Picture: Gallo Images / City Press / Herman Verwey

Those that know the Mpumalanga premier will caution you to underestimate Mabuza at your own peril. He is the same man that reported the theft of R14 million in cash from his Barberton home in Mpumalanga. No questions were asked. Despite his chequered past, which saw him being fired twice from the Mpumalanga government for fraud, he was appointed to take charge as premier of the province in 2009. Since then, he has consolidated power of the province’s branches and marshalled the second largest delegation to the ANC conference after KZN.

Gwede Mantashe, chairperson

Outgoing Secretary General of the ANC Gwede Mantashe gives his final address to the media at the party’s 54th National Elective Conference at Nasrec, Johannesburg on 18 December 2017. The SG fielded questions from the media about state capture and the health and future of the ANC. Picture: Yeshiel Panchia

Mantashe took over the secretary-general position from Kgalema Motlanthe during what was the party’s most difficult period. Following the ANC’s bruising Polokwane conference in 2007, Mantashe had to manage a party split by disgruntled members who refused to serve under President Jacob Zuma. As secretary-general, Mantashe is tasked with executing party decision, some of those including informing president Thabo Mbeki of his recall. As chairperson of the party on Ramaphosa’s slate, he is an important ally who will need to use his experience to manage tensions.

Ace Magashule, secretary general 

FILE PICTURE: Free State Premier Ace Magashule. Picture: Supplied.

Magashule is the longest-serving ANC chairperson and has kept a tight grip on power for 25 years. He runs the province and ANC structures with an iron fist and those who dare challenge his authority find themselves out in the cold. Magashule has been one of President Jacob Zuma’s staunchest supporters and has come to his defence during an avalanche of accusations relating to his Nkandla homestead, right down to handing over state power to the Gupta family. He was fingered in the Free State dairy farm scandal where R30 million in government money was redirected to pay for a lavish Gupta wedding.

Jessie Duarte, deputy secretary general

ANC deputy secretary-general Jessie Duarte is considering legal action against a newspaper over a
story on the Guptas’s alleged involvement in the controversial finance minister sackings. Picture: Michel Bega

Being the only woman in the top six, Duarte is a seasoned politician with vast party and government experience. Duarte, an outspoken supporter of President Jacob Zuma, campaigned on the NDZ ticket and was rewarded with the position she previously held. She was removed from the party’s communications machinery in the mid-2000s following emotional outbursts when cornered with difficult questions. Her election, along with that of Mabuza and Magashule, is likely to make any decision that goes against Zuma at top six level virtually impossible

Paul Mashatile, treasurer general

MEC for Human Setllements Paul Mashatile speaks at the Region G offices in Eldorado Park, Johannesburg, during a meeting with community stakeholders. This after a week of protests over housing, lack of employment and service delivery has rocked the area. 12 May 2017. Picture: Yeshiel Panchia

Mashatile is a master tactician who has consistently outmanoeuvred his opponents, even when it seemed impossible. Mashatile has had his fair share of problems, notably when, as Gauteng finance MEC, he was notorious for spending up to R250 000 at a Sandton restaurant in one sitting. A former premier of Gauteng, President Jacob Zuma appointed him minister of arts and culture. He was demoted when he became critical of Zuma. Mashatile is believed to enjoy the support of David Mabuza and is understood to have played a hand in the appointment of Magashule as secretary-general.

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