Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed speculation that he is considering resigning following the African National Congress’s (ANC) poor performance in the 2026 local government elections, describing reports of his possible departure as “preposterous”.
Speaking to journalists on Sunday after the announcement of the election results, Ramaphosa rejected claims that he was preparing to step down as ANC president.
“I don’t know where these rumours come from. I mean, who came up with a rumour like that? It’s preposterous,” he said.
According to The Citizen, the speculation emerged after the ANC suffered a significant decline in electoral support, securing just 30.76% of the national vote.
The reports followed a Sunday Times investigation published by TimesLIVE, which claimed that Ramaphosa had raised the possibility of resigning during discussions with members of the party’s National Executive Committee (NEC).
‘There’s no such consideration in the ANC’
At least five senior NEC members reportedly told the publication that the president had suggested that the ANC’s top seven officials should consider stepping down to take responsibility for the party’s successive electoral setbacks.
However, the proposal was reportedly opposed by several senior leaders, including Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Second Deputy Secretary-General Maropene Ramokgopa, who favoured reflection and an early party conference instead.
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula also dismissed reports of the president’s possible resignation.
Speaking to IOL, Mbalula insisted that there was no such consideration within the party.
“There’s no such consideration in the ANC,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ramaphosa acknowledged the disappointing election results, saying the party accepted the electorate’s decision.
Coalition negotiations
“This is their verdict, and we accept it. We accept it with humility,” he said, according to The Citizen.
The election outcome represents another major setback for the ANC, which lost its parliamentary majority in the 2024 national elections, forcing it into a Government of National Unity (GNU).
International news agency Reuters reported on the implications of the ANC’s losses, with the results expected to trigger difficult coalition negotiations in several municipalities.
Despite the speculation surrounding his political future, Ramaphosa maintained that the election outcome reflected the democratic will of South Africans.
“We celebrate the enduring strength of our democracy and the sovereign right of the people of South Africa to choose their representatives,” he said.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
