Draper said Ramaphosa's experience in the business makes him acceptable and likely to be acceptable by the business community and investors.

The Minister of Small Business Development, Lindiwe Zulu told Xinhua that the elected leaders should work to unite and grow the party.

"Unity is not an option for any cadre, it's a must. It's not about an individual but about an organization which translate to the people of South Africa. We cannot afford to have ANC going down," Zulu said.

According to the election results, the Mpumalanga premier, David Mabuza was elected the ANC deputy president after beating the Human Settlements Minister, Lindiwe Sisulu. Paul Mashatile becomes the party's treasurer general after beating the International Relations and Cooperation Minister, Maite Nkoana-Mashabane.

The former ANC General Secretary Gwede Mantashe beat the Arts and culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa to become the national party chairperson, while Ace Magashule was elected the party general secretary after beating Senzo Mchunu. Jessie Duarte who was the party deputy general secretary was retained in the same post after beating Zingiswa Losi.

The ANC electoral commission chairperson, Sindiso Mfenyana thanked the outgoing ANC leaders who served in the party leadership.

Baleka Mbete, outgoing ANC chairperson said, "I would like to thank the conference for disappointing those who thought this conference won't come together. This conference has been a success even though it is not yet finished. It was disciplined. I ask you to cooperate with the new determined and winning leadership as we move towards 2019."

The country will hold the presidential and parliamentary elections in 2019.