President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership is facing increasing pressure as calls for his resignation grow among some members of the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC). These calls have intensified following the party’s failure to secure an outright majority in the 2024 General Elections.
Sources within the NEC indicate a significant shift in power away from Ramaphosa, particularly after a contentious push for an ANC-DA coalition government. This development follows the latest NEC meeting, where the party deliberated on various options for forming a new government.
The proposed ANC-DA coalition was ultimately rejected, with the NEC instead leaning towards a more inclusive Government of National Unity (GNU). However, this approach is also encountering difficulties. Reports suggest internal efforts within the ANC to exclude parties like the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the uMkhonto weSizwe Party (MKP) from these discussions.
The ongoing GNU negotiations aim to bring together different political parties to establish a new government. Despite these efforts, the ANC’s internal divisions and external opposition are complicating the process.
In the wake of the election results, where the ANC received only 40.18% of the vote, the party lost its parliamentary majority for the first time since the advent of democracy. This outcome has forced the ANC to seek alliances with other parties to maintain governance.
The situation has sparked a variety of reactions. ANC Youth League President Collen Malatji dismissed a proposal for a “black parties only” coalition, asserting the ANC’s role as leaders of society. Meanwhile, Patriotic Alliance leader Gayton McKenzie accused certain ANC members of attempting to derail the GNU to oust Ramaphosa, expressing his own interest in joining the government. Criticisms have also emerged, describing the GNU as a tactic to subvert the Constitution and empower a “neo-colonial” faction.
As the GNU talks continue, the ANC must navigate its internal challenges and external negotiations to stabilize its leadership and form a viable government. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial for the future of Ramaphosa’s presidency and the political landscape of South Africa.
