Thabo Mbeki’s Remarks on Leadership Resignations Reignite Debate Over Ramaphosa’s Political Future

Former South African President Thabo Mbeki has reignited political debate after an old interview resurfaced in which he argued that leaders should resign when major political disasters occur under their watch.

The remarks have attracted renewed attention amid speculation about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s political future following the African National Congress’s disappointing performance in the 2026 Local Government Elections.

In the interview, Mbeki questioned how a political leader could continue occupying a position of authority after presiding over what he described as a major catastrophe. His comments have divided South Africans, with some agreeing that Ramaphosa should take responsibility while others believe the country’s challenges cannot be blamed on one individual.

The resurfaced clip comes from an interview Mbeki gave on the African Renaissance Podcast, hosted by former Economic Freedom Fighters Member of Parliament Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.

During the conversation, the former president discussed the responsibilities of political leaders when their parties experience serious electoral setbacks.

Mbeki argued that functioning democracies require leaders to accept accountability when major failures happen under their leadership. According to him, resignations are normally expected when a political organisation suffers a disastrous outcome.

“Normally in a democratic country, and you have a major disaster like that, leaders resign,” Mbeki said.

He also referred to comments by ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula, who had described the party’s performance in the 2026 elections as a catastrophe.

Mbeki questioned how the country’s leadership could continue in their positions after acknowledging the scale of the party’s poor performance.

“How do you continue to lead if you are responsible for a catastrophe?” he asked.

His remarks have placed renewed attention on the question of accountability within the governing party.

Mbeki also questioned what positive achievements could be associated with Ramaphosa’s leadership since he became ANC president in 2017 and subsequently assumed the country’s presidency in 2018.

He specifically asked what meaningful progress had taken place between 2019 and 2026 that could justify the current leadership’s continued stay in office.

“What had happened between 2019 and 2026 that is of a positive nature?” he asked.

The former president’s criticism was not limited to Ramaphosa. He suggested that other members of the ANC’s top leadership should also seriously consider their positions following the party’s disappointing electoral performance.

His comments have reopened discussions about whether the ANC needs significant leadership changes to rebuild public confidence and improve its political fortunes.

The resurfaced interview triggered mixed reactions online, with social media users expressing different opinions about Mbeki’s assessment of Ramaphosa’s presidency.

Some agreed that the president should resign, arguing that his departure could give the ANC an opportunity to rebuild itself.

One user, @mbanjwas49, suggested that stepping down would be the best decision if Ramaphosa genuinely cared about the future of the governing party rather than his personal political position.

Another user, @SAFirst, argued that the problem extended beyond Ramaphosa, saying the ANC as a whole needed to take responsibility.

However, others defended the president and pointed to developments they believed should be considered when evaluating his performance.

@BuleGasZet argued that Ramaphosa had made progress in several areas, mentioning the end of load shedding, improvements at Eskom, liberalisation of the energy sector and developments involving state-owned institutions.

The user also mentioned the establishment of the Madlanga Commission, arguing that the president’s record should not be dismissed entirely.

Other commenters were more critical of Mbeki himself. @thisandtgat_ described the former president as a wounded man who remained conflicted, while @Andy8702SA referred to the period under Ramaphosa as another wasted period for the country.

Despite the growing debate, Ramaphosa has firmly rejected claims that he intends to step down.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s announcement of the final 2026 election results on Sunday, 8 November, the president dismissed the rumours as “preposterous”.

He also questioned where the claims originated and urged South Africans to accept the officially announced election results.

For now, Ramaphosa has given no indication that he plans to resign.

Nevertheless, Mbeki’s resurfaced remarks have intensified conversations about political accountability, leadership renewal and the ANC’s future following its disappointing electoral performance. The debate also highlights growing divisions over whether the party’s recovery requires a change at the top or a broader transformation of its leadership and structures.

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