Ramaphosa and ANC top seven weigh exit after election disaster The party faces a defining moment

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC)’s top seven national officials are reportedly considering stepping down following the party’s devastating performance in the 2026 local government elections.

According to a report by the Sunday Times, the possibility of mass resignations has emerged during discussions among senior ANC leaders about accountability for the party’s electoral decline and its increasingly uncertain political future.

Several members of the ANC’s National Executive Committee (NEC) reportedly told the publication that Ramaphosa raised the possibility of resigning as ANC president, arguing that the organisation could not afford to suffer two consecutive major electoral setbacks under his leadership without consequences.

The discussion reportedly intensified after ANC head of elections Mdumiseni Ntuli called for the party’s national leadership to take responsibility for its disappointing performance.

Ntuli previously argued that it would be difficult for members of the current leadership to seek another mandate without first accounting for the party’s declining electoral fortunes.

Ramaphosa’s reported proposal, however, was not unanimously supported. According to the publication, Deputy President Paul Mashatile and Second Deputy Secretary-General Maropene Ramokgopa were among those who opposed an immediate resignation.

Ramokgopa reportedly suggested that the ANC should consider holding an early national conference in April rather than rushing into a leadership departure.

Mashatile is also said to have cautioned against making an emotional decision, arguing that the leadership should take time to reflect on the election outcome before considering such a significant move.

The discussions reportedly involved other senior officials, including Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula and Treasurer-General Gwen Ramokgopa.

The reported developments come after the ANC suffered another significant electoral setback, losing its outright majority in several key metropolitan municipalities.

The party’s national electoral support has also declined considerably, falling from 49.9% in the 2021 local government elections to approximately 36.9% in the 2026 polls.

The latest results have intensified questions about the ANC’s leadership, organisational renewal and ability to regain public confidence ahead of future elections.

Ramaphosa’s possible departure could also have serious implications for the Government of National Unity (GNU), given his central role in the arrangement established after the 2024 national elections.

However, ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu reportedly said she was not aware of any such discussion among national officials.

For now, no formal resignation has been announced. The coming days could prove crucial as the ANC leadership considers its next steps following an election result that has exposed deep divisions and growing dissatisfaction within the governing party.

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