Deputy President Paul Mashatile is allegedly mobilizing support within the ANC to push President Cyril Ramaphosa and the Democratic Alliance (DA) out of the Government of National Unity (GNU), in what insiders describe as a resurgence of the Radical Economic Transformation (RET) faction.
According to senior ANC sources, Mashatile has been quietly building alliances with the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party and the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) in an effort to reshape the government. The move comes amid rising frustration within the ANC over the GNU’s current structure, particularly the DA’s involvement, which some party members view as a betrayal of the ANC’s economic transformation goals.
Mashatile, known for his political maneuvering, is said to be leveraging discontent among ANC members who feel sidelined under Ramaphosa’s leadership. By aligning with former president Jacob Zuma’s MK Party and Julius Malema’s EFF, he is positioning himself as a unifying force to reclaim the ANC’s dominance.
“The RET faction has been biding its time, and now it’s making its move—with Paul at the forefront,” an ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) member revealed.
While no formal announcements have been made, speculation is growing that a motion of no confidence in Ramaphosa could be tabled if Mashatile secures enough backing from opposition parties and disgruntled ANC MPs. Both the EFF and MK Party have long opposed the GNU, calling it a compromise that serves elite interests over those of ordinary South Africans.
If successful, Mashatile’s alleged coalition could trigger a political crisis, destabilizing the GNU and reshaping the country’s post-election power dynamics.
The Presidency has declined to comment on the claims, and the ANC has denied any official discussions about replacing Ramaphosa. However, the growing tensions suggest deepening divisions within the party, with Mashatile emerging as a central figure in what could become a major political realignment.
A huge push from Paul Mashatile in the ANC to remove President Cyril Ramaphosa and DA. Basically the RET faction has awoken with Paul Mashatile. He allegedly already has a deal with MK Party and EFF.
President Ramaphosa already has a deal with the DA which the SG of the ANC… pic.twitter.com/wv8FafQMWP
— Goolam (@goolammv) April 13, 2025