Political analyst Prince Mashele has launched a scathing critique of President Cyril Ramaphosa, labeling him as one of South Africa’s weakest democratic-era leaders and even suggesting he could face imprisonment in his later years.
During a recent episode of The Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh Xperience* podcast, Mashele did not hold back, calling Ramaphosa the “criminal in chief” and describing the ANC as a “criminal organization.”
“Cyril Ramaphosa will be remembered as one of the most ineffective presidents since 1994,” Mashele said. “Jacob Zuma was the most corrupt, but Ramaphosa is no saint—he’s the leader of a corrupt system.”
Mashele went further, predicting a grim future for the 72-year-old president: “If he lives to 80, he may die in jail.” Though he provided no direct evidence, Mashele pointed to ongoing corruption scandals within the ANC as justification for his claim.
Ramaphosa initially came to power promising to clean up government after the Zuma era, but critics argue his anti-corruption efforts have produced few major convictions or reforms. While commissions like the Zondo Inquiry exposed wrongdoing, many believe accountability has stalled.
The Presidency has not yet responded, but ANC officials dismissed Mashele’s remarks as inflammatory. Meanwhile, Mashele stood by his statements, accusing Ramaphosa of failing to dismantle patronage networks and becoming “part of the rot.”
With the ANC gearing up for its next national conference, Mashele’s harsh criticism adds to growing doubts about Ramaphosa’s leadership and his fading “New Dawn” promise. As public frustration mounts, the president faces increasing pressure to prove he can deliver real change.