Ramaphosa resignation wasn't on the table - Mbalula

The political landscape of South Africa has been set ablaze following recent statements by the African National Congress (ANC) Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula regarding the future of President Cyril Ramaphosa. In a definitive address, Mbalula clarified that despite swirling rumors and external pressures, the resignation of the President was never a subject of discussion during the party's high-level meetings. This declaration comes at a critical juncture for the ANC as it navigates the complexities of a Government of National Unity (GNU) and addresses internal challenges following a landmark election cycle. Mbalula emphasized that Ramaphosa remains a vital asset to the organization and continues to hold a clear mandate from the party's branches, effectively shutting down speculation about an imminent leadership change.

Fikile Mbalula confirmed that the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) did not consider, nor was it asked to consider, the recall or resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Addressing the media following a special NEC meeting, Mbalula stated that the party maintains full and continuing support for Ramaphosa as both the leader of the ANC and the President of South Africa. He dismissed claims of a looming resignation as media-driven rumors and opportunistic political maneuvering, asserting that the President’s leadership is essential for the stability of the Government of National Unity and the ongoing transformation of the country.

The Context of the Phala Phala Scandal and Court Rulings

The current political tension is largely rooted in the long-running Phala Phala scandal, which involves the theft of foreign currency from President Ramaphosa's private game farm in 2020. The matter resurfaced prominently after the Constitutional Court ruled that the National Assembly had failed to properly exercise its constitutional oversight obligations in 2022. This ruling effectively revived the possibility of impeachment proceedings, leading to intense public and political speculation regarding the President's standing.

Mbalula clarified that the ANC’s approach to this legal development is one of constitutional fidelity. He noted that while the court identified flaws in the parliamentary rules, it did not mandate a resignation. The President has opted to challenge the findings of the 2022 Section 89 panel report in court, a move the ANC NEC has unanimously endorsed. Mbalula argued that exercising these legal rights is the substance of accountability, not an evasion of it, and that the President should not be stripped of the rights enjoyed by any other South African citizen.

Mbalula Dismisses Resignation Rumors as Media Speculation

Throughout his briefings, Mbalula has been consistent in labeling the talk of Ramaphosa's exit as "peddling negativity." He pointed out that certain factions within and outside the party have attempted to use the recent court judgment to advance their own agendas. However, he maintained that these efforts have failed to gain traction within the official structures of the ANC. By stating that resignation was "not on the table," Mbalula intended to put the matter "firmly and finally to rest."

He further criticized the media for what he described as energetic speculation that seeks to substitute for the constitutional moments of the movement. According to Mbalula, the only bodies with the authority to decide the President's fate are the ANC branches that elected him to a five-year term at the 55th National Conference in 2022. Until the next conference scheduled for 2027, the mandate remains intact and unchallenged by the party's internal leadership.

The Strength of the Government of National Unity

A significant portion of Mbalula’s address focused on the stability of the Government of National Unity (GNU). Since the ANC lost its outright majority in the 2024 general elections, the party has had to collaborate with various political entities, including the Democratic Alliance (DA), to form a functional government. Mbalula stressed that the judgment of the Constitutional Court does not interrupt the work of the GNU.

The Secretary-General portrayed Ramaphosa as the linchpin of this new political arrangement. He suggested that those calling for the President's removal are effectively trying to derail the organization and the progress made under the GNU. The ANC leadership believes that maintaining Ramaphosa in his position is crucial for ensuring that no single political party can dictate terms to the ANC or destabilize the country's governance during this sensitive transitional period.

Internal ANC Dynamics and Leadership Support

Despite the external noise, Mbalula’s statements reflect a consolidated front within the ANC's National Executive Committee. He described the support for Ramaphosa as "unambiguous" and "unanimous." This unity is seen as a defense mechanism against attempts to dissolve the NEC or replace the current leadership with a national task team, ideas that have been floated by some party members in the wake of the 2024 election results.

Mbalula specifically mentioned that while individuals like Andile Lungisa might have raised alternative leadership structures, these views do not represent the collective stance of the party. The ANC remains committed to its elected officials, viewing them as the legitimate representatives of the party’s mission. Mbalula’s rhetoric often draws parallels between the party and historical institutions, urging supporters to stick with the ANC through disappointments just as they would with a beloved sports team.

Key Event/Factor	ANC Official Stance
Phala Phala Scandal	The President will exercise his legal right to review the report.
Constitutional Court Ruling	Respect the judgment but maintain it doesn't require resignation.
NEC Support for Ramaphosa	Unanimous and continuing support for his leadership.
Government of National Unity	Ramaphosa is essential for GNU stability and progress.
Leadership Mandate	Valid until the 2027 National Conference.

Legal Challenges and the Path Forward

The President’s decision to lodge a review application in the High Court at Pretoria is a central pillar of the ANC's current strategy. By moving the battle to the legal arena, the party hopes to buy time and demonstrate a commitment to due process. Mbalula emphasized that the parliamentary process activated by the court judgment will run its course alongside the President’s legal challenges. Both processes, he insisted, will be conducted with "dignity, seriousness, and constitutional fidelity."

This strategy also serves to shield the President from immediate political removal. As long as the findings of the 2022 report are being contested in court, the ANC can argue that any move toward impeachment is premature. This legalistic approach allows the party to manage the fallout of the scandal while focusing on the broader goals of the GNU, such as economic recovery and service delivery.

Addressing Opposition Pressure and Coalition Demands

The ANC's loss of a majority has emboldened opposition parties. The MK Party, led by former President Jacob Zuma, has been vocal in demanding that Ramaphosa step down as a condition for any cooperation. Mbalula has been firm in rejecting such demands, calling them a "no-go area." He asserted that no political party would be allowed to dictate terms to the ANC regarding its internal leadership.

The relationship with the Democratic Alliance is also under the microscope. Analysts suggest that the ANC’s survival through no-confidence motions and impeachment inquiries may depend on DA votes. Mbalula’s task is to balance this external dependency with the need to maintain internal party integrity. By affirming that resignation is not on the table, he signals to coalition partners that the ANC’s leadership is non-negotiable.

Accountability vs. Political Evasion

A recurring theme in Mbalula's recent communications is the definition of accountability. He has pushed back against the narrative that Ramaphosa is avoiding responsibility by not resigning. Instead, he frames the use of constitutional remedies as the very "substance of accountability." According to this view, the President is being held accountable through the established institutions of the Republic, and bypassing these institutions for a quick resignation would be a disservice to the constitutional order.

This perspective is designed to reassure the public that the ANC is not above the law, even while it protects its leader. Mbalula argued that suggested shortcuts to removal are "opportunistic" and do not align with the spirit of the Freedom Charter or the South African Constitution. By adhering to formal processes, the ANC aims to portray itself as a disciplined organization committed to the rule of law.

The Role of the ANC Secretary-General

As the person in charge of the day-to-day running of the ANC, Fikile Mbalula’s role in this crisis is pivotal. He acts as the primary shield for the President, managing the media narrative and ensuring that party structures remain aligned. His vigorous defense of Ramaphosa is not just about the individual but about the survival of the current party hierarchy. If Ramaphosa were to fall, the entire NEC could face calls for dissolution, leading to a period of intense internal instability.

Mbalula’s communication style—often described as direct and combative—is utilized here to shut down dissent. By framing the issue as one of "constitutional moments" versus "media speculation," he provides a clear framework for ANC supporters to follow. His message is one of endurance and loyalty, reminding the movement that it has walked through many difficult moments in its history with discipline and humility.

FAQ

Did Fikile Mbalula say Cyril Ramaphosa was going to resign?

No, Fikile Mbalula explicitly stated that resignation was never on the table during the NEC meetings and that the party continues to support President Ramaphosa.

What is the status of the Phala Phala investigation?

Following a Constitutional Court ruling, the National Assembly must revisit the oversight process. Meanwhile, President Ramaphosa is legally challenging the findings of the 2022 Section 89 panel report.

Will the ANC consider coalition demands for Ramaphosa to step down?

Mbalula has called this a "no-go area," stating that no other political party will dictate who leads the ANC.

How long is President Ramaphosa's current term in the ANC?

Ramaphosa was elected to a five-year term in December 2022, which is set to run until the next National Conference in December 2027.

What is the ANC's stance on the Constitutional Court judgment?

The ANC respects the judgment and the parliamentary processes it has activated, but they maintain it does not necessitate the President's resignation.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the statements by Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula serve as a powerful reaffirmation of President Cyril Ramaphosa’s position within the ANC and the South African government. By clarifying that resignation was never considered, the ANC leadership is attempting to stabilize a volatile political environment and protect the integrity of the Government of National Unity. While legal and parliamentary processes regarding the Phala Phala scandal continue to unfold, the party has chosen a path of constitutional defense and internal unity. The coming months will likely see further legal battles and political maneuvering, but for now, the message from Luthuli House is clear: Ramaphosa remains at the helm, and the ANC is prepared to defend his mandate against all external and internal pressures.

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