Ramaphosa Considers Resigning As ANC Leader After Election Losses
ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly raised the possibility of stepping down as ANC president following the party’s poor performance in the 4 November local government elections.
According to the Sunday Times, at least five senior ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) members said Ramaphosa suggested that he should resign, arguing that two successive electoral defeats under his leadership required consequences.
Sources told the newspaper that he was prepared to step down alone if the ANC’s top seven officials did not support his proposal for the entire leadership to vacate their positions.
One NEC member reportedly warned that his departure as ANC president could also spell the end of the government of national unity (GNU), arguing that he could not leave the party leadership while remaining head of the national government.
The ANC’s national support dropped to approximately 31% in the latest elections, compared with 46% in 2021. The party also fell to 40% in the 2024 national and provincial elections.
Senior ANC members have reportedly urged Ramaphosa to reconsider and allow time for reflection, while secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has emphasised collective responsibility for the electoral defeat.
The ANC’s NEC is meeting to assess the results as the party faces coalition negotiations in several municipalities where it has lost its outright majority.
