Johannesburg – President Cyril Ramaphosa will not be stepping down after the upcoming G20 Leaders’ Summit in Johannesburg, his special envoy to the Central African Republic, Bejani Chauke, has confirmed.
Chauke dismissed the resignation rumours as “irresponsible, disturbing, and unfounded” following weekend reports claiming that Ramaphosa held a secret retreat with Government of National Unity (GNU) leaders to discuss the coalition’s future.
According to Sunday Times, the meeting sparked speculation within ANC circles that the president could step back from office early next year.
Chauke, a close ally of Ramaphosa, said the reports were an attempt to undermine preparations for Africa’s first-ever G20 Summit.
He clarified the situation in a statement shared on social media, saying, “This rumour is devoid of truth and aims to cast aspersions on the successful build-up of the first-ever G20 Summit on the African continent.”
Chauke highlighted Ramaphosa’s commitment to governance and constitutional order, noting that the President’s mandate comes directly from the nation’s parliamentary process.
RUMOUR OF PRESIDENT EXIT
There is a disturbing and unfounded rumour that President Ramaphosa will be stepping down as RSA President shortly after the G20 Heads of State Summit in Johannesburg. This rumour is devoid of truth and aims to cast aspersions on the successful build-up… pic.twitter.com/AJg5rvX8YO
— Dr Bejani Chauke (@bejani7) November 5, 2025
“President Ramaphosa completed his first term and was re-elected by Parliament, a democratic institution representing the people’s will, to serve a second term,” he said.
The statement further emphasised the president’s ongoing work to strengthen government accountability and national unity. “The President has consistently guided the Cabinet towards the comprehensive renewal of South Africa and the improvement of its accountability ecosystem, fostering hope and reassurance across the nation,” Chauke added.
Since assuming office, President Ramaphosa has reportedly focused on fighting corruption and promoting independent judicial processes.
Chauke said, “In this mission, the President has consistently and resolutely expressed his commitment to national unity, fostering a sense of cohesion and solidarity among South Africans.”
Addressing the recent speculation, Chauke stressed that any decision on shortening the president’s term would be determined by parliamentary consensus.
“If there is a moment, the President may consider shortening the term he has been mandated to complete; it will be when the Parties represented in Parliament decide. Until then, he is well within my South African mandate.”
Chauke also reassured the international community of South Africa’s continued engagement on the global stage.
“President Ramaphosa is working diligently to receive the G20 heads of state and integrate them into the African and Global South development agenda. He has consistently upheld this commitment and will continue prioritising it,” he said.
Chauke left no room for ambiguity: “It should be stated unequivocally that the President of South Africa is not resigning. The administration remains stable and focused on delivering for the people of South Africa, our alliance, and our economic partners.”
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
