Tables Have Turned: How 87 ANC Heavyweights Just Forced Ramaphosa and His Aides Into Line

The African National Congress (ANC) National Executive Committee (NEC) has pushed back against party president Cyril Ramaphosa and his top officials, demanding greater accountability and an end to unilateral decision-making within the organisation.

The confrontation unfolded during a heated NEC meeting on Thursday, where at least 20 members reportedly challenged the party’s top seven leaders over what they described as their growing disregard for the authority of the 87-member decision-making structure.

According to reports, members were particularly unhappy with the leadership’s handling of coalition negotiations following the ANC’s disappointing performance in the November 4 local government elections.

The committee rejected a recommendation by the National Working Committee (NWC) to consider the Democratic Alliance (DA) a strategic and preferred coalition partner in municipalities.

NEC members also raised concerns about the failure to implement an earlier directive requiring national officials to engage other political parties about potentially expanding the Government of National Unity (GNU).

The meeting reportedly made it clear that the ANC’s coalition negotiating team cannot sign agreements or commit the party to any arrangement without first returning to the NEC for approval.

Members further warned that officials who disregard the committee’s instructions could face consequences.

The pushback signals growing frustration within the ANC as it attempts to rebuild following significant electoral losses and navigate complicated coalition negotiations across the country.

The NEC is expected to meet again to consider reports from the negotiating team and provide further direction.

The developments represent a significant challenge to Ramaphosa and his senior aides, with the party’s powerful decision-making structure signalling that major political decisions must be made collectively rather than by a handful of national leaders.

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