ANC succession drama

RUMOURS: RAMAPHOSA'S 'RESIGNATION WOULD BE A MASSIVE MISTAKE' >>→ GNU complicates removal of president, say experts.

- Eric Mthobeli Naki

TARGET. President Cyril Ramaphosa's possible exit exposes internal fractures and the limits of the party's dominance in the GNU. Picture: Gallo Images

(Gallo Images)

Rumours that President Cyril Ramaphosa could resign have once again thrown the ANC into the spotlight, with political analysts warning that any attempt to bring back former president Thabo Mbeki would be a grave miscalculation.

Speculation about Ramaphosa's future intensified after reports emerged from the ANC's national working committee meeting over the past weekend.

According to insiders, discussions included the possibility of Ramaphosa stepping down and Mbeki being asked to serve as acting ANC president until the party's next elective conference in 2027.

Ramaphosa himself has previously indicated that he would not cling to power if the ANC formally requested his resignation. In a daring challenge to his critics, he said he would oblige if opponents within the party came forward and made the demand directly.

This has emboldened speculation his presidency could end prematurely, echoing a pattern that has become familiar in ANC politics.