ANC veteran Tony Yengeni has publicly criticized President Cyril Ramaphosa for repeatedly dodging media questions on key national issues, sparking fresh debate about transparency in government.
In a fiery social media post on Monday, Yengeni accused Ramaphosa of evading public accountability.
“He must answer to the people. This isn’t his private farm – it’s our country,” Yengeni wrote on X (formerly Twitter).
The outburst comes as opposition parties and analysts increasingly accuse Ramaphosa of operating behind closed doors, particularly on sensitive matters. The president’s recent address about corruption allegations against Police Minister Senzo Mchunu ended without taking journalists’ questions – a pattern that has drawn widespread criticism.
Yengeni, a long-serving ANC National Executive Committee member known for his outspoken views, represents growing dissatisfaction within the ruling party. His comments highlight ongoing power struggles as factions jostle for influence ahead of the ANC’s upcoming policy conference.
Political observers say this public rebuke signals deepening divisions in the ANC. With public frustration mounting over economic challenges and governance issues, such internal criticisms are likely to intensify in coming months.