Johannesburg – ANC President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticised his party for its persistent “disease” of failing to implement policy resolutions, urging members to embody the organisation’s renewal through disciplined behaviour — including how they conduct themselves on social media.
Delivering the political overview at the ANC’s fifth National General Council in Boksburg on Monday, he emphasised the need to overhaul membership systems, enforce stricter leadership election processes, and remove criminals, corrupt individuals, and factionalists from the party’s ranks.
“For the lack of the implementation of our decisions is a disease that we must rid our organisations and structures, including our government, of. The ANC must be united around the values and the principles of our movement,” said Ramaphosa.
[WATCH] President Cyril Ramaphosa says members of the ANC must reflect the party’s renewal in their behaviour, including what they post on social media about each other or the party.#Newzroom405 pic.twitter.com/a4FAH8kI0J
— Newzroom Afrika (@Newzroom405) December 8, 2025
“Enhancing the quality of membership and leadership is key to the renewal of the ANC, as was stated by the NEC in the January 8 statement. It continued to say that the membership system of the ANC is also being overhauled to ensure that the movement attracts into its ranks the kind of people who are willing to serve the people of South Africa. The criteria for membership and screening process to rid the ANC of criminals is an important part of the renewal process.”
He added, “A renewed ANC must enforce discipline in the ranks of our membership. As renewal gains momentum, those whose conduct conflicts with our values and principles, the criminals, the corrupt, the careerists, extortionists and factionalists and those who actively work against the organisation should find themselves outside of the African National Congress.”
The four-day NGC is assessing the ANC’s progress since its 2022 Nasrec conference, focusing heavily on organisational renewal. Ramaphosa insisted that renewal must be visible in members’ conduct, not just policy documents.
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Compiled by Betha Madhomu
