Treasurer General Paul Mashatile who opened the conference congratulated the new leadership but warned of challenges for the party emphasising the importance of unity...

The Maile slateThe 42-year-old Maile is now miles apart from his original mentor in politics Paul Mashatile who is now ANC Treasurer General...

Africa Confidential understands that he will be pitching for a place on the ANC's top six national officials along with the likes of ANC Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile Justice Minister Ronald Lamola Human Settlements Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi and Defence Minister Thandi Modise (AC Vol 63 No 3 Candidates and kingmakers break cover in succession drama)...

Defence Minister Thandi Modise Justice Minister Ronald Lamola Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile (also acting Secretary-General) and acting deputy Secretary-General Gwen Ramokgopa are also seen as potential contenders for top six posts and we understand are all aligned with Ramaphosa's reforms...

Foremost among them are ANC Treasurer General Paul Mashatile and the younger up-and coming Justice Minister Ronald Lamola who has hinted that he would consider standing for deputy if asked...

But Radebe related to Ramaphosa by marriage is understood to have thrown his hat in the ring for the ANC deputy presidency along with ANC Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile and Justice Minister Ronald Lamola...

ANC chair Gwede Mantashe is likely to emerge as kingmaker whereas one-time hopeful Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile looks set to lose out but both are likely to retain their positions in the ANC's 'top six' officials...

A former contender for the Presidency or deputy roles with some support from both the Ramaphosa and Zuma camps Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile looks set to lose out again in any bid for the top in December...

Possible contenders are Treasurer-General Paul Mashatile a former Premier of Gauteng; Zweli Mkhize the former health minister who resigned after it was found his family benefited from a government Covid-19 communications contract; and Gwede Mantashe a Ramaphosa ally at odds with him over the rate of phasing out coal (AC Vol 62 No 22 Leaders clash over climate)...