“He’s Not Going Anywhere”: ANC’s Fikile Mbalula Quashes Rumours About Ramaphosa’s Exit

Rumours and Reality: Ramaphosa Stands Firm

Amid swirling speculation about the future of President Cyril Ramaphosa, ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula stepped in to set the record straight: the president is not stepping down.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Mbalula described recent claims that Ramaphosa might resign if the National Executive Committee (NEC) asked him to as baseless. “There’s no president stepping down. The president was addressing rumours being cooked by faceless people,” he said, adding that Ramaphosa remains fully committed to leading the party.

Stepping Down Would Betray ANC Members

Mbalula stressed that Ramaphosa was elected by ANC members, not by “negative voices” circulating in media and political corridors. “If he steps down now, he would betray the membership of the ANC,” Mbalula said, pointing to the collective support the president enjoys within the party’s structures.

He also dismissed rumours about NEC members lobbying for Ramaphosa’s removal ahead of the National General Council (NGC), scheduled for December 8–12 at the Nasrec Expo Centre in Johannesburg. “If he were going to go, he would have gone by now. But he will not, because he was elected by members of the ANC, not by rumour-mongers,” he said.

Rumours Fuelled by Media and Politics

Mbalula singled out the media for amplifying unfounded stories. “These rumours have owners in our cycles and find expression through the media,” he said, adding that some reports misrepresent internal debates as evidence of a leadership crisis. He recalled the attention given to a previous NEC member’s suggestion to disband the committee, noting how quickly isolated comments can be blown out of proportion.

Social media in South Africa has been buzzing with commentary on Ramaphosa’s position. Supporters have rallied behind the president, framing him as a stabilising force, while critics continue to speculate about internal tensions in the ANC.

Focus on Rebuilding, Not Rumours

Mbalula made it clear that the party’s priority is rebuilding ahead of the NGC. “This general council must become something else it must not focus on chasing ghosts but on getting the ANC back on track,” he said. He described Ramaphosa as a valuable asset whose leadership is crucial for uniting the party and preparing for upcoming national challenges, including the G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg on November 22–23.

According to the ANC constitution, leadership change requires a two-thirds majority vote, further cementing the reality that Ramaphosa’s tenure runs until 2027 unless the party’s democratic structures decide otherwise.

A Nation Watching Closely

As South Africans watch political developments unfold, Mbalula’s statements aim to quash rumours and reassure both the public and ANC members that stability, not factional infighting, remains the priority. In a political climate often dominated by speculation, his message is clear: Ramaphosa is staying, and the ANC is focused on unity, renewal, and moving forward.

{Source: IOL}

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