WHAT HAS HE GOT TO SHOW?’ Mbeki’s Brutal Verdict on Ramaphosa That Has Shôcked South Africa

Former South African president Thabo Mbeki has intensified pressure on President Cyril Ramaphosa and the African National Congress (ANC) leadership, questioning whether the party’s top seven officials should remain in their positions following the organisation’s disastrous performance in the 2026 Local Government Elections.

Speaking during an interview on the African Renaissance Podcast, hosted by former EFF MP Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, Mbeki argued that senior leaders must take responsibility for the ANC’s historic decline in electoral support.

The ANC secured just 30.76% of the national vote, a significant drop from the 45.59% it received in the 2021 local government elections.

Mbeki said reports that Ramaphosa had offered to resign following the election setback, if accurate, represented the correct approach to political accountability.

He questioned how leaders could continue occupying influential positions after presiding over what ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula described as a catastrophe.

Mbeki also suggested that the rest of the top seven should consider following the same path.

He further criticised Ramaphosa’s record since becoming ANC president in 2017 and national president in 2018, pointing to worsening unemployment, poverty, crime and economic difficulties.

The former president also questioned whether the current leadership was capable of successfully overseeing the party’s renewal.

However, Ramaphosa has dismissed speculation that he intends to step down, while Mbalula has also rejected reports of an imminent resignation.

Mbeki’s intervention comes as the ANC prepares for crucial internal discussions about its election performance, leadership accountability and future political direction.

His remarks have placed renewed attention on whether the party’s recovery requires changes at the very top or a broader organisational transformation.

https://x.com/ZANewsFlash/status/2120059287095382247

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