ANC dismisses recall speculation, affirms Ramaphosa’s leadership

Ramaphosa

The African National Congress has dismissed speculation about the recall or resignation of President Cyril Ramaphosa following a special National Executive Committee meeting in Cape Town held to discuss the Constitutional Court ruling on the Section 89 matter.

Speaking after the meeting, ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula said Ramaphosa’s leadership was never questioned.

“The National Executive Committee did not consider the recall of the President, and resignation was not on the table,” Mbalula said.

He stressed that the Constitutional Court ruling focused on parliamentary procedures rather than the merits of the Phala Phala matter and did not find Ramaphosa guilty of wrongdoing or order his removal from office.

Mbalula said the ANC supported Ramaphosa’s decision to challenge the independent panel report in the High Court, arguing that exercising constitutional rights was part of accountability rather than an attempt to avoid it.

“The exercise of constitutional rights by a citizen of the Republic, including a citizen who holds the office of President, is not an evasion of accountability. It is the substance of accountability,” he said.

The ANC also reaffirmed Ramaphosa’s mandate as party president and head of the Government of National Unity, saying it remained focused on governance, economic transformation and preparations for the 2026 municipal elections.

Mbalula said the party viewed the Constitutional Court ruling as evidence that South Africa’s constitutional democracy and governance systems were functioning effectively.

“Our democracy, our constitutional democracy is strong. It will remain strong under the ANC,” he said.

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