Ramaphosa's Fate Hangs in the Balance: ANC Infighting Intensifies

Former President Thabo Mbeki and President Cyril Ramaphosa.

By Mpho Dube, Editor-in-Chief of The Azanian

A power struggle within the African National Congress (ANC) has reached a boiling point, with calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down and the party's leadership to be replaced by a national task team led by former president Thabo Mbeki.

The controversy began with a letter circulated among senior ANC members in the Eastern Cape, sparking speculation about Ramaphosa's future as president. ANC Veterans League president Snuki Zikalala has dismissed the move as a "covert and divisive attempt to remove Ramaphosa from office," while Ramaphosa's advisor, Bejani Chauke, has denied rumors of the president's impending resignation.

With the ANC's internal divisions laid bare, experts are weighing in on the potential fallout. Dr. Frans Cronje, a renowned political and economic expert, believes Ramaphosa will likely remain in office until 2027, citing his strong favorability rating among ANC voters.

"The assumption is that President Cyril Ramaphosa will exit by the end of 2027 or the start of 2028 after the ANC has had its elective conference," Cronje said. "I don't think Ramaphosa is going to resign soon. I think he will stick around for another two years."

The speculation surrounding Ramaphosa's future has raised concerns about the potential impact on the country's economy and the ANC's performance in the 2026 municipal elections.

As the drama unfolds, one thing is clear: the ANC is facing a critical juncture, and the party's internal divisions are threatening to spill over into the public domain.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.