The ANC’s Electoral Congress in 2027 is one of the unknown variables for anyone trying to predict the future of the party, which has lost majority for the first time since coming to power 30 years ago. In the past, the Electoral Congress has been a forum for replacing the party president who is also South Africa’s head of state. However, currently Cyril Ramaphosa, despite the recent election failure, appears to be more popular than his party, says NAI researcher Henning Melber.