CALLS FOR CYRIL RAMAPHOSA TO STEP DOWN GROW AS FIKILE MBALULA EMERGES AT THE CENTRE OF ANC LEADERSHIP SUCCESSION DEBATE FOLLOWING 2026 ELECTION DEFEAT
The African National Congress is facing mounting pressure following its disappointing performance in the 2026 Local Government Elections, with President Cyril Ramaphosa’s future as party leader becoming a major subject of discussion.
According to reports citing senior ANC National Executive Committee members, Ramaphosa reportedly raised the possibility of stepping down as ANC president following the party’s poor electoral results.
The discussions come after the ANC’s national support dropped to approximately 30.8%, with the party losing significant ground in several major metropolitan municipalities.
Ramaphosa is reportedly concerned about the party’s successive electoral setbacks and the consequences for its political future.
Among the senior figures involved in the discussions is ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, alongside Deputy President Paul Mashatile and other party leaders.
Mbalula’s name is attracting attention as questions emerge about who could lead the ANC if Ramaphosa eventually leaves the presidency.
There has also been speculation about the possibility of an early leadership transition, although no official decision has been announced naming Mbalula as Ramaphosa’s successor.
The ANC now faces the challenge of rebuilding public confidence, addressing internal leadership tensions and negotiating coalition agreements in municipalities where it has lost its majority.
The developments could have significant implications for the party’s political direction ahead of its next elective conference.
THE BIG QUESTION: IF CYRIL RAMAPHOSA STEPS DOWN, WILL FIKILE MBALULA BE THE NEXT PERSON TO LEAD THE ANC?
Who should lead the ANC into its next political chapter?