South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is once again battling internal turbulence in the African National Congress (ANC), following a renewed push from some party members calling for his resignation. The pressure intensified just days before he heads to the G20 Summit.
Reports from South African media on November 16 indicate that a group of senior ANC figures in the Eastern Cape have been circulating a letter demanding that Ramaphosa step aside and that the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) be disbanded.
According to the contents of the letter, Ramaphosa’s departure would pave the way for the establishment of an interim leadership structure chaired by former president Thabo Mbeki, who governed South Africa between 1999 and 2008.
ANC Leadership Rejects Calls for Early Exit
The ANC swiftly dismissed the initiative. Acting spokesperson Nonceba Mhlauli emphasized that both the NEC and Ramaphosa are serving legitimate terms that extend until December 2027. “The NEC elected in December 2022 remains in office until the end of its mandate in December 2027,” Mhlauli stated. “President Cyril Ramaphosa was elected to lead the ANC for this full term, and that leadership concludes only when he officially hands over power.”
Ramaphosa Challenges Critics to Come Forward Openly
In response to the developments, Ramaphosa accused his internal critics of lacking courage and plotting behind closed doors. Speaking on November 16, he urged those pushing for his removal to confront him openly rather than engaging in what he described as “secretive, cowardly tactics.” “If the NEC wants me to resign, I will do exactly that,” he said. “But anyone who wants me gone must say so publicly give me a date, and I will step aside.”
Potential Impact on South African Politics
Ramaphosa has been the ANC’s leader since 2017 and South Africa’s head of state since early 2018. Stepping down from the party presidency would automatically end his tenure as President of the Republic, as the ANC leader traditionally heads the national government.
This latest internal rift emerges at a critical time, with the ANC facing ongoing questions about its unity and direction. The timing just before the G20 Summit has also raised concerns about how the political tension could affect South Africa’s presence on the global stage.
