Mbeki Comments on Ramaphosa’s Rumoured Resignation and ANC’s Election Setback

Leadership at a Crossroads After ANC’s Election Decline

Mbeki discussed the issue as a guest on the African Renaissance Podcast hosted by Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, where he addressed a range of political topics, including the ANC’s recent electoral setbacks. The ruling party saw its support fall dramaticallyfrom 45.59% in 2021 to 30.76% in 2026a drop described as a “catastrophe” by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula.

Speculation swirled over the weekend after sources reportedly told the Sunday Times that President Ramaphosa had offered to vacate office in the wake of the ANC’s decline. However, both Ramaphosa and Mbalula have publicly dismissed the rumours, denying any plans for the President to step down.

Rumours and Responses from ANC Leaders

Addressing the reports, Mbalula emphasized:

“The president is not going anywhere, and there are no such considerations in the ANC of the president stepping down.”

President Ramaphosa also refuted the speculation, questioning the origins of what he described as unfounded rumours:

“I don’t know where these rumours come from. I mean, who came up with a rumour like that?”

Mbeki’s Perspective: Political Accountability

Mbeki, reflecting on the ANC’s top leadership, indicated that taking responsibility for a significant electoral setback is common practice in democratic societies. He noted that leaders often resign when their parties suffer major defeats, stating, “Normally, in all of these democratic countries where you have a major disaster like that, the leaders resign. They take responsibility.”

Mbeki continued, suggesting that not just Ramaphosa, but potentially the entire ANC top seven leadership, should evaluate and take responsibility for the consequences of their tenure. While emphasising that he was not explicitly calling for their resignation, Mbeki maintained that it may be time for deep reflection within the party’s upper ranks.

Negative Trends and the Need for Reflection

Mbeki also commented on the challenges that have beset the country and the ANC since 2017, referencing economic decline, rising unemployment, growing poverty, and increased crime. He highlighted that these negative developments likely contributed to the party’s poor election performance.

He posed a rhetorical question regarding the future of the party’s leadership:

“Nothing positive happens. Isn’t it time for the top seven to say, like President Ramaphosa seems to be saying, we can’t continue to lead, having produced this negative outcome?”

Call for Collective Responsibility

Mbeki underscored the need for ANC leaders to be “brave enough to take responsibility” for their roles in the party’s decline. He included himself in this call, noting his own position on the ANC’s National Executive Committee. He stressed that the entire leadership must accept accountability for the events that have unfolded under their watch.

Broader Context: Leadership and Resignation in Politics

In many democratic systems, poor electoral performances often prompt senior party figures to resign, making way for new leadership to guide the party forward. Leadership changes can be crucial for rebuilding public trust and organisational renewal, and such transitions are widely seen as part of the checks and balances within mature democracies.

The ANC’s struggle in recent elections has intensified public and internal calls for introspection and potential renewal at the highest levels of the party. As of now, both Ramaphosa and Mbalula reject the resignation rumours, but questions about responsibility, renewal, and the ANC’s direction remain at the forefront of public debate.