The African National Congress (ANC) has moved to stamp out internal unrest, insisting that its elected leadership, including President Cyril Ramaphosa, will serve the party’s full term until December 2027, reports Cape {town} Etc.
The party emphasised that the National Executive Committee (NEC) elected in December 2022 remains in office and will complete its mandate.
The statement comes in response to reports, cited by Central News, that a letter circulating among senior members in the Eastern Cape calls for Ramaphosa’s removal and the establishment of a national task team led by former President Thabo Mbeki.
Party officials described these reports as unverified and urged members to respect internal processes.
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Speaking to journalists after the ANC’s NEC meeting at Germiston Council Chambers, acting spokesperson Nonceba Mhlauli told SABC News there is ‘no departure lounge’ inside the NEC, affirming that the party will see out its term with Ramaphosa as president.
The president’s closing remarks at the meeting were open to the media.
Ramaphosa, who turned 73 on 17 November, received birthday messages from the presidency and party colleagues.
The brief acknowledgements highlighted his long political career and his continued focus on government priorities.
He also addressed his critics directly at the NEC meeting, saying he would step down if asked by the NEC.
Business Tech reports that political analyst Dr Frans Cronje dismissed the rumours, saying he does not ‘think Ramaphosa is going to resign soon. I think he will stick around for another two years.’
Speculation about the president’s future intensified following the recent G20 Leaders Summit, which, according to Reuters, was held amid diplomatic tensions and high-profile absences.
The summit has placed additional scrutiny on national leadership and prompted calls within the ANC to focus on renewal and preparations for the 2026 local government elections.
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