Union backs Ramaphosa to succeed Zuma as ANC leader

September 26, 2016 10:41 AM

A decision has been taken "to support the candidacy of Cyril Ramaphosa for president", NUM, one of South Africa's biggest unions, said in a statement.

South African union backs Ramaphosa to succeed Zuma as ANC leader

A powerful South Africa mining union on Monday backed Deputy President Cyril Ramaphosa to succeed President Jacob Zuma as the next leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC).

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Zuma is expected to stand down as ANC president at a party conference late next year, ahead of national elections in 2019 when his tenure as the country's leader will come to an end.

Ramaphosa, a wealthy businessman and founding member of NUM, is likely to face strong competition if he does compete for the ANC leadership, including from Zuma's ex-wife, Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who is currently head of the African Union.

Neither Ramaphosa or Dlamini-Zuma have said they will run.

Ramaphosa would be the first choice for many investors because he is more likely to support pro-business policies than many in the traditionally left-leaning ANC.