ANC factions circle but Ramaphosa’s grip inside party remains firm

Ramaphosa retains the upper hand as ANC factions circle

President Cyril Ramaphosa has consolidated sufficient power inside the African National Congress to withstand growing internal opposition, political analysts told The Citizen in a report published on 15 May 2026.

Why analysts say Ramaphosa is safe

Analysts cited the removal of Radical Economic Transformation (RET) elements from the ANC and the strengthening of Ramaphosa’s loyalists as reasons the president currently faces no realistic internal threat to his leadership. The report notes Ramaphosa strengthened his grip after his election as ANC president at Nasrec in 2017.

Independent political analyst Goodenough Mashego was quoted saying:

“There is no rogue element left in the ANC. What I know is there is an opportunist group inside that is interested in grabbing power, but is too weak to do so.”

Opposition inside the party and key players

The report describes an “opportunistic group” linked to Deputy President Paul Mashatile and his Gauteng allies such as Panyaza Lesufi and Lebogang Maile. This group is said to enjoy sympathy from RET elements, including the EFF and MK, but analysts told The Citizen they lack the strength of Ramaphosa’s camp.

Ramaphosa’s supporters are described as dominant in top ANC structures, including the national executive committee, and as enjoying proximity to state resources. The RET was weakened, the report says, by the enforcement of the ANC’s step-aside rule, which requires members facing criminal prosecution to step aside; prominent targets included Jacob Zuma and Ace Magashule.

Shifting allegiances and protection inside the party

The Citizen’s report says some of Zuma’s former supporters named in the piece as Nomvula Mokonyane and Supra Mahumapelo have since shifted allegiance to Ramaphosa, clearing a path for him to retain control.

Another grouping, led by ANC figures including Fikile Mbalula and Gwede Mantashe, along with party veterans, is described as willing to protect Ramaphosa. Political economy analyst Sandile Swana was quoted saying Ramaphosa’s supporters “would not allow Ramaphosa to be impeached at the behest of the opposition parties.” Instead, Swana said, they would steer any process to ensure the president a “soft landing.”

Criticism of Ramaphosa’s leadership

At the same time, the report records criticism of Ramaphosa’s record. Sandile Swana told The Citizen that Ramaphosa is “controversial” and faulted the president for weak economic performance, high levels of corruption and poor technical capacity in government. Swana said these factors have contributed to internal opposition.

Swana also criticised what he described as inconsistent treatment by the ANC of members accused of corruption, saying: “That creates perpetual divisions because junior members want to do exactly what their seniors do.” He added that some party veterans believe partnering with the DA would be better for service delivery than alliances with the EFF and MK.

What this means for Gauteng and Johannesburg readers

The report highlights the role of Gauteng-based allies in internal ANC manoeuvring, naming Panyaza Lesufi and Lebogang Maile among those linked to an alternative faction. For Johannesburg readers, the dynamics between national leaders and provincial power-brokers in Gauteng are central to how factional contestation inside the ANC may play out going forward.

Investigations, scandals and the party’s future

The Citizen piece also links recent purges and internal discipline including actions related to the step-aside rule and fallout from the Phala Phala farm scandal to the weakening of RET influence inside the party, which analysts say has helped preserve Ramaphosa’s position.

Source: https://www.citizen.co.za/news/south-africa/politics/anc-factions-circle-but-ramaphosa-still-holds-the-upper-hand/