President Cyril Ramaphosa Denies That the ANC Is in Decline, SA Debates Him

• African National Congress president Cyril Ramaphosa does not believe that the party's electoral performance is a terminal diagnosis
• The ANC, which previously won elections by a majority, lost its majority for the first time in 2024
• Ramaphosa called on party members to be encouraged by its previous performance to change its ways

Tebogo Mokwena, affiliated with Briefly News, provided local and international political analysis and interviews in South Africa for Daily Sun and Vutivi Business News during his nine years of experience.

SOWETO, JOHANNESBURG — The president of the African National Congress (ANC), Cyril Ramaphosa, called on members to use its decline as an inspiration to change their ways.

Is the ANC in terminal decline?

According to The South African, Ramaphosa spoke during the party's 30th annual Joe Slovo commemoration in Soweto on 6 January 2025. He asserted that the organisation is not dying or in a terminal state. The party lost its majority and experienced a decline in support during the 2024 general elections. Ramaphosa noted the decline but called on members to be spurred to change by it.

Read also

ANC defends hosting January 8 celebrations at a smaller venue, SA laughs

He said the outcome of the elections, which resulted in the ANC forming a Government of National Unity with other parties, sent a clear message that the party must act differently, decisively, and urgently to restore people's confidence in it.

South Africans debate Ramaphosa

Netizens on Facebook commented on the party's decline.

Mervyn January said:

"Nothing human-controlled is forever. The ANC's days are over. With change comes new ideas, revived aspirations and generations with new outlooks."

Ephraim Makola said:

"He is just consoling himself, but deep down at the bottom of his heart, he knows the ANC is no more."

Mtobi Nash said:

"This guy is going to destroy the ANC, no doubt about it. We need a president who is going to bring back ANC votes. This one cannot."

Zolile Mthunjwa said:

"Ramaphosa is confused and useless. He wants to be a member of the DA and SACP at the same time."

Read also

Paul Mashatile accuses DA of failing Khayelitsha, SA says ANC neglected whole country for 30 years

Louis Lodewyk Coetzee said:

"Ramaphosa always denies the truth."

Paul Mashatile accuses DA of failing Khayelitsha

In an ANC-related article, Briefly News reported that the party's deputy president, Paul Mashatile, slammed the Democratic Alliance. He blamed the party for neglecting the people of Khayelitsha in Cape Town.

Mashatile spoke during a visit to the township on 5 January after attending a church service. He addressed the media and said the Democratic Alliance, which is the Western Cape's ruling party, has neglected poor areas like Khayelitsha.

Source: Briefly News