Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly told the African National Congress national executive committee that he is willing to step down if the party sets a specific resignation date.
According to reports from the South African Broadcasting Corporation, Ramaphosa challenged critics within the ANC to stop discussing his exit in secrecy, referring to such discussions as happening in “dark corners like cowards.” The comments come amid speculation that the president could resign after hosting the G20 summit and step back from government early next year.
When asked whether Ramaphosa was in a “departure lounge,” ANC spokesperson Nonceba Mhlauli said there is no such concept within the NEC. She explained that the current committee, elected in December 2022, will serve its full term until December 2027, with Ramaphosa as president unless he opts to run for a third term.
“The national executive committee, with its president, was elected in December 2022. Our term ends in December 2027. President Ramaphosa remains the ANC president and will hand over at the end of the term if he does not seek another term,” Mhlauli said.
Patriotic Alliance leader and Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie said on Sunday that “the war has started” in ANC circles. McKenzie claimed Ramaphosa asked for a specific resignation date in response to pressure from factions wanting him out. He described any attempt to force the president’s exit as a mistake, pointing to the progress made under the government of national unity.
Earlier this month, Ramaphosa’s special envoy to the Central African Republic, Bejani Chauke, dismissed reports of a planned resignation after the G20 summit as “irresponsible.” Chauke said the president has continued to guide the Cabinet in line with coalition agreements, focusing on national renewal and strengthening accountability. He added that Ramaphosa remains committed to uniting the nation and advancing Africa’s development agenda ahead of the G20 summit.
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