Ramaphosa Uses Bafana Bafana to Make a Point About Competence in South Africa

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has turned to the country’s national football team, Bafana Bafana, to illustrate an important point about competence, bringing football into a wider conversation about leadership and the ability of people entrusted with responsibility to deliver results.

Football remains one of South Africa’s most influential sporting platforms, reaching communities across different provinces, backgrounds and generations. Consequently, using Bafana Bafana as an example when discussing national issues is likely to resonate with many South Africans, particularly supporters who have followed the team’s difficult journey over the years.

The national team has experienced contrasting periods, from disappointing international campaigns to encouraging performances that have restored some confidence among supporters. Its progress has also highlighted the importance of having the right people in positions where their decisions directly influence performance.

Under Belgian coach Hugo Broos, Bafana Bafana have enjoyed a significant improvement in their competitiveness. The team’s return to the Africa Cup of Nations podium in 2024, when they finished third in Ivory Coast, demonstrated what can happen when players, technical leadership and a clear football strategy work towards a common objective.

That achievement was particularly important because South African supporters had endured several years of frustration following the team’s inconsistent performances at major international competitions.

Bafana’s improvement has also strengthened conversations about the relationship between talent and competence. Having talented individuals is important, but talent alone does not guarantee success. Proper preparation, effective leadership, sound decision-making and accountability are equally important.

This is where the comparison with public leadership becomes relevant. South Africans expect people appointed to important positions to demonstrate the ability to perform their responsibilities rather than simply occupy positions of authority.

For football supporters, the country’s experience with Bafana Bafana provides a familiar reference point. The national team has previously demonstrated that even a squad containing talented footballers can struggle when the structures supporting it fail to function effectively.

The controversy surrounding the administrative handling of Teboho Mokoena’s suspension during the 2025 World Cup qualifying campaign was another reminder of how decisions away from the pitch can undermine the work of players and coaches. FIFA’s disciplinary ruling cost South Africa three points, highlighting the importance of attention to detail and professional administration in modern football.

Meanwhile, Ramaphosa has publicly acknowledged the importance of developing South African football. In June 2026, he called on citizens to rally behind Bafana Bafana ahead of their return to the FIFA World Cup, recognising the contribution of football administrators, clubs, sponsors, coaches and players to the development of the game.

His latest reported analogy brings the conversation beyond football. The broader message is that competence should be measured through performance, responsibility and the ability to achieve results.

For Bafana supporters, there is also an important distinction between having a talented team and having an organisation capable of supporting that talent. Both are necessary if South African football is to maintain its progress.

Ultimately, football offers a useful way of understanding the demands placed on people in positions of responsibility. Whether on the pitch or in government, expectations remain high, and supporters and citizens alike want to see decisions translated into meaningful results.

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