Mbalula dismisses rumours of plot to topple Ramaphosa ahead of ANC NGC

AFRICAN National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has clarified that the party's upcoming National General Council (NGC) will focus on reviewing and renewing the implementation of resolutions from the ANC’s 2022 national conference, and not on removing President Cyril Ramaphosa.

- HOPE NTANZI

Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg this week, Mbalula dismissed reports suggesting that some senior members were pushing for a leadership change.

He emphasised that the ANC has “closed ranks” to protect its president and focus on renewal.

“There is no leadership struggle in this at all. There’s no leadership struggle. We're closing ranks. These are stories that are plotted deliberately by forces from within and outside our movement, who are hellbent on disintegrating the ANC,” Mbalula said.

He stressed that the party’s priority is rebuilding and strengthening the organisation, adding that the public is “not interested in the issues of leadership and leadership squabbles and all of that”.

Mbalula reaffirmed confidence in Ramaphosa’s leadership, describing him as “a corporate and a leader with thick skin. He understands his responsibilities. He’s not deterred by any of this. He's focused on the task that has been given by the organisation to lead the African National Congress.”