South Africa’s political landscape is witnessing intense infighting within the African National Congress (ANC) as rival factions maneuver to unseat President Cyril Ramaphosa. At the heart of this unfolding power struggle is Deputy President Paul Mashatile, who is reportedly aligning himself with former President Jacob Zuma in a bid to weaken Ramaphosa’s grip on power. The escalating tensions threaten the stability of the Government of National Unity (GNU) and could reshape the country’s political future.
Sources suggest that Mashatile and Zuma’s alleged alliance is aimed at sidelining the Democratic Alliance (DA) from the GNU, further eroding Ramaphosa’s control. Zuma, leveraging his deep-rooted connections within intelligence and law enforcement, is rumored to be orchestrating moves through institutions like the Hawks to undermine Ramaphosa’s administration. Meanwhile, Communications Minister Khumbudzo Ntshavheni, a key Ramaphosa ally, has become a focal point in this battle, with critics questioning her growing influence in the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
While corruption remains a significant concern in South African politics, this latest power struggle appears to extend beyond governance issues. If Mashatile and Zuma’s efforts succeed, it could pave the way for an alternative coalition government involving the ANC, the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), and other opposition parties—an outcome that would drastically alter the country’s political trajectory.
As these high-stakes political maneuvers unfold, South Africans are closely watching the developments that could redefine leadership and governance in the nation. With democracy and the future of the ANC hanging in the balance, the success or failure of these efforts will have lasting implications for the country’s stability.