WATCH | Fikile Mbalula addresses Ramaphosa resignation rumours after NEC meeting

ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula is currently outlining key decisions from the party’s recent NEC meeting, following speculation about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s potential resignation.

In a statement, the party said the briefing would outline key discussions, decisions, and organisational directives arising from the NEC meeting held in Ekurhuleni over the weekend. 

This comes after reports that Ramaphosa indicated he would resign if asked by the NEC.

Ramaphosa has reportedly challenged his detractors in the NEC to provide him with a timeline for his resignation, reportedly urging them to stop discussing his exit “in dark corners like cowards.” 

He is said to have told the NEC that if asked to resign, he would do so even tomorrow.

Speaking at a media briefing on Monday in Johannesburg, ANC acting national spokesperson Nonceba Mhlauli declined to comment on the matter, saying Mbalula would address it at Tuesday’s briefing. 

She added that all matters relating to the recent NEC meeting, including discussions with the South African Communist Party (SACP) on contesting local government elections independently, would be addressed by Mbalula.

Rumours have circulated suggesting Ramaphosa could step down shortly after the G20 Heads of State Summit in Johannesburg, scheduled for November 22-23, amid claims of internal pressure within the ANC. 

The party, however, has strongly denied these reports.

Speaking over the weekend, Mhlauli rejected suggestions that Ramaphosa was in a “departure lounge”. 

“I’m not sure what departure lounge that is,” she said.

“As far as we are concerned, there is no departure lounge in the national executive committee. This NEC was elected in December 2022. 

Our term ends in December 2027, and it will end with President Cyril Ramaphosa as president of the ANC - unless he decides to stand for a third term,” she added jokingly.

Meanwhile, Bejani Chauke, Ramaphosa’s long-time adviser and special envoy, also dismissed the speculation. He described the rumours as “disturbing and unfounded,” saying they were attempts to undermine preparations for Africa’s first G20 summit and stressed that Ramaphosa’s mandate was secure.

“The South African Constitution allows a president to serve two terms. President Ramaphosa completed his first term and was re-elected by Parliament to serve a second. If there ever comes a moment when the president considers shortening his term, it will be when the parties represented in Parliament decide. Until then, he is well within his mandate,” Chauke said.

He condemned what he called the “irresponsible” spreading of claims that the president was preparing to resign. “It should be stated unequivocally: the President of South Africa is not resigning. The administration remains stable and focused on delivering for the people of South Africa.”

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