Cyril Ramaphosa Says DA Must Learn From ANC Municipalities in Eastern Cape, South Africans Confused
- President Cyril Ramaphosa weighed in on how the Democratic Alliance (DA) deals with poorer areas in the Western Cape
- The president believes that others can learn from the African National Congress-led (ANC) municipalities in the Eastern Cape
- South Africans weighed in on Ramaphosa's claims, with many questioning which municipalities the president was talking about
Source: Getty Images
Briefly News journalist Byron Pillay has dedicated a decade to reporting on the South African political landscape, crime, and social issues. He spent 10 years working for the Northern Natal Courier before transitioning to online journalism.
GAUTENG – Cyril Ramaphosa believes that the Democratic Alliance (DA) can learn a thing or two from the African National Congress (ANC).
The president made the comments while answering questions in the National Council of Provinces (NCOP) on Tuesday, 14 October 2025, reflecting on how the DA handles less affluent areas.
Ramaphosa’s comments are a departure from his previous statement to ANC councillors that they could learn from their DA counterparts in the Western Cape. Ramaphosa later clarified that clean audits do not necessarily equate to service delivery.
PAY ATTENTION: stay informed and follow us on Google News!
Ramaphosa’s change of tune on DA in Western Cape
During the NCOP sitting, Ramaphosa noted that while the DA in Cape Town had one of the best audit outcomes, it failed to transform the poorer areas. The president stated that he saw horrifying scenes in the townships of Cape Town, adding that less attention was given to Black areas.
He noted that in Johannesburg, great efforts were made to upscale Soweto, which he described as being really horrible before, saying that it had been largely upgraded in the past 10 years. The president noted that this wasn’t the case with Western Cape townships.
“It should never be the case that more attention is given to the more affluent areas at the expense of the places where lesser-income people live. This is exactly what we are seeing here in Cape Town," he said.
Source: Getty Images
In response to Ramaphosa’s claims, Cape Town mayor Geordin Hill-Lewis said the president was merely trying to do damage control after his previous utterances about how the DA municipalities were an example of good governance.
Ramaphosa praises Eastern Cape municipalities
The president clarified that his comments were not meant to dismiss any efforts made but instead to inspire all municipal entities to focus on becoming better.
He also called on all cities to learn from the ANC’s high-performing municipalities in the Eastern Cape. Ramaphosa noted the work done by municipalities such as the Senqu Local Municipality, which borders the Kingdom of Lesotho.
“So even Cape Town must go and learn there, even Johannesburg must go and learn there. How are they doing it? Why are they achieving such great results, and why are they enforcing or enhancing development in their little towns?” he stated.
Ramaphosa’s comments sparked a lively debate, with social media users sharing their thoughts on his claims.
South Africans were confused by Ramaphosa’s statement
Social media users did not share Ramaphosa’s sentiment, with many noting that many people had left the Eastern Cape to move to the Western Cape.
Kabelo Skoolkat said”
“Next, he will say that Matlala and Maumela are businessman.”
Trevor Govender asked:
“Why are people leaving the Eastern Cape and flocking to Cape Town?
Alson Zwane stated:
“Poor damage control from Ramaphosa.”
Ace Skepe asked:
“Which Eastern Cape are we talking about? Maybe there's another one.”
Thandiwe Gudlwa also questioned:
“Which Eastern Cape?”
Jodine Beg noted:
“But a lot of Eastern Cape people are also in Cape Town.”
Sandra Liebenberg stated:
“He sounds like Sibiya. The stories change daily.”
Tom Braune asked:
“Learn from the Eastern Cape of all places? EC? Really? Does he know we are not all from there?”
Helen Zille pokes fun at Ramaphosa
Briefly News previously reported that Helen Zille trolled Ramaphosa for his recent praise of the DA municipalities.
The party's Chairperson of the Federal Council shared a funny post to X about the president's comments.
South Africans weighed in on Zille's post, sharing their own hilarious images of other politicians in response to it.
Source: Briefly News
