“Who said Ramaphosa is Resinging?” – Mbalula

(The Post News)– African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has dismissed speculation that President Cyril Ramaphosa is preparing to resign.

He insists that the matter was never raised in the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC). He said Ramaphosa will complete his term.

Reports suggested that Ramaphosa had told ANC NEC members he would resign if asked. As a result, speculation about Ramaphosa’s future intensified. According to insiders, Ramaphosa challenged his detractors to confront him directly.

This, rather than “discussing his exit in dark corners like cowards.” He reportedly told the NEC that if members wanted him to step down, he would do so “even tomorrow.”

Some quickly interpreted these remarks as an admission. They believed Ramaphosa was considering leaving office. This fueled media reports and political debate.

Rumors and Reality: Mbalula Pushes Back

Mbalula has categorically denied that the NEC ever discussed Ramaphosa’s resignation. “Who said he is resigning?” Mbalula asked during a media briefing.

He added that the president remains firmly in charge. The president is committed to leading the ANC through its challenges.

Mbalula emphasized that there are individuals within the party who harbor ambitions of removing Ramaphosa. Their efforts have failed to gain traction. He accused detractors of using the media to spread rumors.

Their aim was to destabilize the party ahead of its National General Council in December. “There are people with such intentions. They are trying to get it going in our structures. Thus far, that has failed. And it will fail,” Mbalula said.

Ramaphosa’s Leadership Under Pressure

Ramaphosa’s leadership has faced mounting pressure in recent months. Critics point to economic stagnation. They also highlight coalition politics and internal divisions within the ANC.

Some NEC members reportedly believe Ramaphosa should resign before the party’s next elective congress in 2027. This argues that his leadership has weakened the ANC’s electoral prospects.

Despite these challenges, Mbalula defended Ramaphosa as an “asset” to the party. He said the president had played a crucial role in navigating South Africa through difficult circumstances.

These included economic turbulence and political instability. “If he resigned, he would have betrayed ANC members because he is an asset to the party,” Mbalula told journalists.

The Secretary-General stressed that Ramaphosa was elected by ANC members. He would not be removed by “rumormongers” or those peddling negativity. He reiterated that the president is leading a collective.

This collective will account to the General Council. The council’s focus will be on strategy and tactics. It will also work on strengthening the ANC’s position in governance.

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Nomsa Diallo

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