ANC leadership rallies behind Ramaphosa as Mbalula condemns 'dark corner' rumors

African National Congress Secretary General (ANC SG), Fikile Mbalula, has denied reports that some within the ANC NEC have been calling for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down.

This comes as recent media reports have suggested that Ramaphosa has reportedly told the ANC national executive committee (NEC) that he is willing to step down if given a date by which he should resign.

However, in a heated direct political overview report, retaliating against these claims, Ramaphosa dared his political opponents to stop discussing his exit in "dark corners" like cowards.

On Tuesday, Mbalula, who briefed the media following the party's NEC meeting, said no ANC NEC member has dared Ramaphosa to step down from his position as party leader, saying these were just rumours peddled by those who use the media behind dark corners.

"There is no one in the NEC of the ANC who called for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down. These rumours are peddled in the media by some in the ANC, and the media allows itself to be used as a mouthpiece. As the Secretary General and from where we are standing, we are confident in the leadership of President Cyril Ramaphosa. Those who want something else should come out in the open and not hide in corners," Mbalula stated.

On the outcomes of the recent NEC meeting, Mbalula said the party has decided on various measures to restore public trust in the party, adding that the party's integrity commission is committed to achieving this objective.

"The NEC reiterated, with absolute clarity, that the Integrity Commission remains central to restoring and safeguarding public confidence in the African National Congress. As a movement that draws its legitimacy from the trust of the people, we recognise that ethical leadership is not optional; it is foundational to who we are and what we represent," he added.

On Monday, the party, through its chairperson of the electoral committee, Kgalema Mothlante, committed the party to extensive vetting and lifestyle audits on its mayor and councilor candidates across the country.

Mothlante also indicated that the party will only announce its mayoral candidates for the metros before the early parts of 2026, ahead of the local government elections.

The former deputy president of the party addressed a media briefing at the party headquarters in Johannesburg, where he outlined the ANC's preparations for the elections as well as the criteria and qualifications required for candidates, including mayors, speakers, and chief whips.

Mbalula further addressed the media on the NEC's decision to monitor both the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry into political interference in the work of the police and the Parliamentary Ad Hoc Committee, saying the NEC has tasked the Integrity Commission to actively monitor the Madlanga and Ad hoc Committee.

He said this will be done in line with its mandate and terms of reference, which will, in turn, be communicated effectively to demonstrate that the ANC is cleansing and renewing itself.

"The ANC has undertaken serious reflection, as it does on an ongoing basis. Both the Ad Hoc and the Commission have been instituted to investigate the public statements made by Lt. Gen. Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi. The NEC has reiterated its earlier stance that the ANC fully supports the proceedings and awaits the conclusion of both these processes," he added.

siyabonga.sithole@inl.co.za