Mbalula dismisses claims of hand-picking successor

Mbalula has rejected claims that the new ANC leadership is out to axe Mbeki supporters

ANC Youth League President (ANCYL) Fikile Mbalula says he has never touted anyone in the league to succeed him as president. The youth league will elect its new leadership at its national conference in April, to be held in Mangaung in the Free State.

Mbalula was recently accused of expressing his views on who should succeed him. He says electing his successor remains the role and responsibility of the rank and file membership and not of that of an individual.

Among those considered to be front-runners to replace Mbalula is businessman and league NEC member, Songezo Mjongile, ANCYL NEC member, Saki Mofokeng, and the league's Limpopo Secretary-General, Julius Malema. Some reports say there is a serious leadership battle ahead of the April congress.