A photograph showing ANC National Chairperson Gwede Mantashe appearing to sleep during a key party meeting has gone viral, stirring controversy about leadership accountability. The image, shared by fellow NEC member Tony Yengeni, was captured during a live SABC News broadcast of the ANC’s National Executive Committee gathering.
The footage shows Mantashe with eyes closed while President Cyril Ramaphosa led discussions about the Government of National Unity’s performance. Other members appeared engaged, making Mantashe’s relaxed posture stand out. The ANC veteran was dressed in party colors, his green and yellow scarf contrasting with his seemingly inattentive state.
Public reaction has been mixed, with some dismissing it as harmless fatigue and others viewing it as symbolic of deeper leadership issues. Yengeni’s decision to highlight the moment has raised eyebrows, suggesting possible internal tensions within the party’s top structures.
Political analysts note the incident comes at a sensitive time for the ANC, which faces growing public scrutiny over governance and unity. While human fatigue is understandable, critics argue such visible lapses damage the party’s image when it needs to project competence.
The ANC has not officially commented, but the viral moment has shifted attention from policy discussions to questions about leadership discipline. As South Africans await the party’s response, the episode underscores how modern politics plays out in an era where every moment can become public spectacle.
