President under pressure

WARNING SHOT: RAMAPHOSA INSISTS HE'S STAYING, BUT CAN THE ANC AFFORD HIM?

- MANDLA MTHEMBU

President Cyril Ramaphosa has broken his silence — not with a whisper, but with a warning.

In a tense ANC national executive committee meeting at Germiston Council Chambers last weekend, he rebuked rumour-mongerers about his early departure, daring those who question his leadership to confront him directly. For a man often accused of caution, this was a moment of fire. But fire, once lit, rarely stays contained.

“Stop talking in dark corners,” he reportedly said. The message was clear: if you want me gone, say it to my face.

This wasn’t just a defence of office. It was a defence of dignity. And it signals that Ramaphosa knows the ground beneath him is shifting.

However, the ANC’s leadership has scrambled to contain the fallout. Secretary-general Fikile Mbalula dismissed any suggestions of a coordinated push against Ramaphosa as “malicious gossip” and insisted the party’s upcoming national general council (NGC) will not entertain leadership discussions.

He emphasised unity and renewal remain the organisation’s priority. Yet, the repeated denials have done little to quell the speculation.

Behind the scenes, several ANC insiders acknowledge the rumour campaign reveals deeper concerns about the party’s trajectory and the president’s standing.