‘Ramaphosa Must Go’: Civic Groups Mobilise Pretoria March Over Failing Leadership

‘Ramaphosa Must Go’: Frustration Spurs Pretoria March Led by Civic Movements

Two grassroots organisations, StandUpSA and the youth-led Enough Is Enough are gearing up to lead a “Ramaphosa Must Go” protest in Pretoria, saying the presidency has lost touch with the realities facing ordinary South Africans.

Their message is blunt: the country is tired of economic stagnation, corruption and a leadership that they believe has gone silent while the nation struggles.

Not Just About One Man

In a joint statement, the organisers insist this isn’t a rage-fuelled march, but a call for accountability and decisive leadership.

“This march is about more than removing one man from office. It is about demanding accountability, transparency, and leadership that serves the people,” the organisations said.

They argue that the economy is in freefall, service delivery is deteriorating and inequality is expanding while decision-making at the top drifts.

Route to the Union Buildings

The civic groups have already met with the Tshwane Metro Police Department to finalise logistics. The schedule is set:

• Assembly: 9am at Church Square, Pretoria

• Departure: 10am

• Arrival at Union Buildings: 11am

• Memorandum handover & dispersal: 1pm

Motorists have been urged to use alternative routes as heavy traffic and delays are expected around the CBD and Union Buildings precinct.

A Presidency on ‘Autopilot’?

StandUpSA has framed the march as the next step in nationwide civic mobilisation. They accuse President Cyril Ramaphosa of failing in his duties and allowing the country to drift without direction.

“South Africa is on autopilot,” the group said. “Decisions are delayed, accountability is absent, and the daily struggles of ordinary citizens continue without leadership direction.”

Their criticism goes further, taking aim at government borrowing and the lack of visible impact on the economy.

“Every few months, new loans are secured from international lenders, yet there is no transparency or visible impact. The result is a stagnant economy, deepening inequality and a loss of national confidence.”

Disconnected Leadership, Growing Discontent

The organisers believe the presidency has grown distant from the lived realities of citizens from load shedding and unemployment to the rising cost of living and collapsing municipal services.

Social media has already picked up the momentum, with hashtags like #RamaphosaMustGo gaining traction on X and Facebook. Supporters of the march describe it as overdue and necessary, while critics worry it may be used to rally political interests rather than community change.

Some commentators have pointed out that frustration has reached far beyond partisan lines, with youth movements, unemployed graduates, informal traders and faith-based organisations showing interest in the march.

‘Out of Love, Not Rage’

Despite the provocative slogan, organisers insist the demonstration will be peaceful and rooted in love for the country, not hostility.

“This is a peaceful people’s march, a show of unity, not violence. We refuse to watch our country fall apart in silence,” they said.

Their demand is clear: leadership that listens and acts, not one that governs from boardrooms and briefing notes.

“South Africa cannot afford another year of drift. The time to stand up is now.”

{Source: The Citizen}

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