On 8 January 2012 the African National Congress (ANC) celebrated its centenary. As part of the uKhongolose: ANC and South Africa’s Struggle for Freedom feature, SAHO started updating the presidential profiles of all the ANC presidents since its formation in 1912. This project continues to today.

Below is a list of all ANC office bearers since its founding in 1912 with each name linked to a biography.

This list is a work in progress, any omissions are unintentional. Please click on the contribute icon on this page if you would like to add a name or biography.

ANC Presidents from 1912 - present

President Period
John Langalibalele Dube 1912 - 1917
Sefako Mapogo Makgatho 1917 - 1924
Zaccheus Richard Mahabane 1924 - 1927
Josiah Gumede 1927 - 1930
Pixley ka Isaka Seme 1930 - 1936
Zaccheus Richard Mahabane 1937 - 1940
Dr. Alfred Bitini Xuma 1940 - 1949
James Moroka 1949 - 1952
Albert Luthuli 1952 - 1967
Oliver Tambo 1967 - 1991
Nelson Mandela 1991 - 1997
Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki 1997 - 2007
Jacob Zuma 2007–present

 

ANC Deputy Presidents from 1952 - present

Deputy President Period
Nelson Mandela 1952 - 1958
Oliver Tambo 1958 - 1985
Nelson Mandela 1985 - 1991
Walter Sisulu 1991 - 1994
Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki 1994 - 1997
Jacob Zuma 1997 - 2007
Kgalema Motlanthe 2007–2009
Cyril Ramaphosa 2009–present

 

ANC General Secretaries from 1912 - present

General Secretary Period
Sol Plaatje 1912–1915
Selope Thema 1915–1917
H. I. Bud M'belle 1917–1919
Saul Msane 1919–1923
T. D. Mweli Skota 1923–1927
E.J. Khaile 1927–1930
Elijah Mdolomba 1930–1936
James Arthur Calata 1936–1949
Walter Sisulu 1949–1955
Oliver Tambo 1955–1958
Duma Nokwe 1958–1969
Alfred Nzo 1969–1991
Cyril Ramaphosa 1991–1997
Kgalema Motlanthe 1997–2007
Gwede Mantashe 2007–present

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