Ramaphosa’s Job Secure, Says Mashatile

Key Takeaways:

• Deputy President Paul Mashatile has denied rumors of a plot to oust President Cyril Ramaphosa from the ANC
• The supposed plot is allegedly driven by deputy ministers Mondli Gungubele and Joe Phaahla, who have both denied the claims
• The ANC’s National General Council (NGC) will take place from 8 to 11 December and will not focus on leadership issues
• The current ANC leadership is working on addressing the challenges of local government in preparation for the next municipal elections in 2026
• The ANC’s next national elective conference is scheduled for 2027, where a new leadership will be elected

Introduction to the ANC Leadership Crisis
The African National Congress (ANC) has been plagued by rumors of a plot to oust President Cyril Ramaphosa from the party. Deputy President Paul Mashatile has come out to deny these rumors, stating that "the President is going nowhere." This comes after weeks of speculation in the lead-up to the party’s National General Council (NGC) in Gauteng from 8 to 11 December. The NGC is a crucial event in the ANC’s calendar, where the party reviews the implementation of its resolutions and sets the tone for the next year.

The Alleged Plot to Oust Ramaphosa
The supposed plot to oust Ramaphosa is allegedly driven by deputy ministers Mondli Gungubele and Joe Phaahla, both of whom have denied the claims. According to Sunday World, the two deputy ministers were demoted from ministers to deputy ministers when the Government of National Unity was formed, and this may have led to their alleged discontent with Ramaphosa’s leadership. However, both Gungubele and Phaahla have come out to deny the claims, stating that they are committed to the ANC and its leadership. Ramaphosa reportedly addressed the issue directly in a recent National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, where it was decided that any move to remove him would not be supported.

The ANC’s Response to the Alleged Plot
The ANC has come out strongly to condemn the alleged plot to oust Ramaphosa. ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula stated that the rumors are "stories planted by forces from within and outside who are hell-bent on disintegrating the ANC." Mbalula emphasized that this is not the time to focus on leadership, but rather to look at renewal within the party. The ANC’s Youth League, Women’s League, and Veterans League have all issued statements condemning the supposed plot and supporting Ramaphosa. The ANC’s NGC will take place midway between the party’s elective conferences and will review the implementation of the party’s resolutions.

The Road Ahead for the ANC
The current ANC leadership is working on addressing the challenges of local government in preparation for the next municipal elections in 2026. Mashatile stated that the NGC will not focus on leadership issues, as these will be dealt with at the party’s national elective conference in 2027. The ANC’s next national elective conference is scheduled for 2027, where a new leadership will be elected. As ANC deputy president, Mashatile is in prime position to ascend to the presidency when Ramaphosa’s term ends in 2027, although a number of other candidates are likely to vie for the job. The ANC’s leadership will need to work together to address the challenges facing the party and the country, and to ensure a smooth transition of power in 2027.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the rumors of a plot to oust President Cyril Ramaphosa from the ANC have been denied by Deputy President Paul Mashatile. The ANC has come out strongly to condemn the alleged plot and has emphasized its commitment to renewal and unity within the party. The party’s NGC will take place from 8 to 11 December and will focus on reviewing the implementation of the party’s resolutions and addressing the challenges of local government. The ANC’s leadership will need to work together to ensure a smooth transition of power in 2027 and to address the challenges facing the party and the country. With the municipal elections in 2026 and the national elective conference in 2027, the ANC has a busy few years ahead, and it will be important for the party to remain united and focused on its goals.