Ramaphosa Faces Pressure To Quit ANC Presidency

ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa is reportedly considering resigning from his position as party leader following the African National Congress’ (ANC) poor showing in the November 4 local government elections.

The Sunday Times reported that at least five senior members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) said Ramaphosa had raised the possibility of stepping down, arguing that the ANC’s successive electoral setbacks under his leadership should have consequences.

According to the newspaper, Ramaphosa indicated that he was willing to resign on his own if the party’s top seven officials rejected his proposal for the entire leadership to step aside.

One NEC member reportedly warned that Ramaphosa’s departure from the ANC presidency could also threaten the Government of National Unity (GNU), saying he could not continue serving as national president after relinquishing the party leadership.

The ANC’s support has fallen to about 31 percent in the latest polls, down from 46 percent in the 2021 local government elections. The party also recorded 40 percent in the 2024 national and provincial elections.

However, some senior party officials have reportedly called on Ramaphosa to reconsider his position and allow time for reflection. ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has also stressed that responsibility for the election defeat should be shared across the party leadership.

The ANC’s NEC is meeting to review the election outcome as the party prepares for coalition negotiations in several municipalities where it failed to secure an outright majority.