Johannesburg – ANC Secretary General Fikile Mbalula has refuted claims that President Cyril Ramaphosa was asked to resign following the G20 Summit. Mbalula dismissed the reports as mere rumours, stating that the matter was not discussed at the ANC's National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held last weekend.
Despite these denials, Mbalula conceded during a post-NEC meeting briefing on Tuesday that there are individuals within the ruling party actively plotting to remove Ramaphosa from office before the ANC's next elective conference in 2027.
Addressing the media, Mbalula acknowledged reports suggesting Ramaphosa's early departure was a topic of discussion at the NEC meeting and that Ramaphosa himself addressed the issue. He accused Ramaphosa's detractors of using the media to further their agenda.
"There are people who have got such intentions, and trying to get it going in our structures, and thus far, that has failed," Mbalula stated, highlighting the unsuccessful attempts to instigate Ramaphosa's removal within the party structures.
According to Mbalula, Ramaphosa addressed the NEC gathering, stating that he remains undeterred by the attempts to oust him and is prepared to step down at any time. Despite the internal challenges, Mbalula insisted that the ANC is satisfied with Ramaphosa's performance as president.
"But he will not go because he was elected by members of the ANC, not by rumour mongers and that’s what’s important, and by those peddling negativity to undermine the cohesion of the ANC," Mbalula asserted, emphasising that Ramaphosa's mandate comes from the ANC membership, not from those spreading rumours and negativity.
Looking ahead, Mbalula revealed that the upcoming national general council in December will focus on developing strategies to regain the party's political majority. He clarified that the council will not serve as a platform to oust Ramaphosa, reinforcing the party's commitment to addressing its challenges through strategic planning and unity.
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