“Don’t Speak After the President”: Ramaphosa Warns Xhakaza Over Protocol

President Cyril Ramaphosa has reportedly reminded Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi about speaking order during an ANC-related event. According to an account shared online, he asked Lesufi to tell Ekurhuleni Executive Mayor Nkosindiphile Xhakaza that he should not speak after the President.

The account says Ramaphosa told Lesufi that letting Xhakaza take the podium after him would not follow the expected protocol. He reportedly asked the premier to pass the message on to the mayor. The exchange has drawn attention on social media, where some commentators have questioned how well the party coordinates its events and what lay behind the instruction.

Some observers have been critical. They see the moment as another sign of tension or poor organisation within the African National Congress (ANC). Others see it as a small matter of procedure, since the order of speakers at political gatherings is often set by rank and by the programme for the day.

The account circulating online does not explain the full context. It does not describe the programme of the event, and it does not say why the instruction was given. Because of this, it is not clear whether the exchange reflected a real disagreement or simply an effort to keep the proceedings in order.

The incident has also started a wider conversation about leadership etiquette and the need to communicate speaking arrangements clearly before a gathering begins. When several senior leaders are present, unclear plans can lead to awkward moments in front of an audience.

Neither the reported exchange nor the reaction to it shows that there is a larger dispute inside the party. More context would be needed to understand what was said, why it was said and whether it has any meaning for relations within the ANC.

https://x.com/ZizinjaAbelungu/status/2112584661541298379

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