Here’s what really happened: ANC denies deputy ministers targeted Ramaphosa

Ramaphosa

Cape Town – The ANC has denied claims that Deputy Ministers Mondli Gungubele and Joe Phaahla are plotting to remove President Cyril Ramaphosa as party leader and head of state.

According to Sunday World, Ramaphosa’s intense reaction at a recent ANC national executive committee (NEC) meeting was reportedly aimed at Gungubele and Phaahla, who are said to be leading a plot to remove him.

Multiple NEC members, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that although Ramaphosa did not name the two directly, his pointed look at them as he said, “I am aware of comrades in this very room lobbying for my removal because they are unhappy with their positions,” conveyed his message clearly.

While his response reportedly derailed the planned vote of no confidence, the plotters —nallegedly supported by at least 60 of the 80-member NEC — were reportedly planning to attempt it again.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu called the reports “fabricated” and aimed at creating division, emphasising the party’s unity, discipline, and collective leadership under Ramaphosa.

“These fabricated stories are deliberately designed to manufacture divisions where none exist and distract us from our core mission of renewal which is rooted in unity, service to our people, and strengthening ethical and accountable democratic governance,” she said.

Mahlengi Bhengu added: “No amount of gossip-driven journalism or anonymous speculation will deflect the ANC from rebuilding itself as an effective instrument of transformation,” she said.

The ANC Youth League also defended Ramaphosa, praising his leadership and achievements, including governance reforms and improvements at state-owned enterprises like South African Airways and Eskom.

“As the ANCYL, we reaffirm our full, unambiguous and militant confidence in the leadership of President Ramaphosa. Under his capable stewardship, South Africa has seen a renewed and deliberate focus on building a truly inclusive economy as a central pillar of reducing inequality, expanding opportunities and ensuring that decent work becomes the engine of sustainable industrialisation,” Secretary-general of the ANC Youth League Mntuwoxolo Ngudle said.

“The president’s tenure has also been characterised by governance reforms, strengthened accountability and the reinvigoration of state institutions.

“The turnaround interventions at key state-owned enterprises provide clear evidence of this progress. South African Airways has recorded profits for the first time in decades after years of haemorrhaging public funds.

“Eskom, once the symbol of instability, has made significant progress in stabilising energy supply. These developments speak directly to the president’s commitment to restoring capacity and integrity within the state, a commitment that the ANCYL fully supports.”

The rumours reportedly began after an NEC meeting in Germiston, where some alleged discussions of Ramaphosa’s removal took place, The itizen reported.

While the party denies the president made any confrontational remarks, speculation persists that a faction might attempt to use the upcoming National General Council to push for his ousting.

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