Ramaphosa breaks silence on resignation rumours

0 President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed speculation that he plans to resign following the ANC’s poor performance in the 2026 local government elections. Image: X Home » News » Ramaphosa breaks silence on resignation rumours

President Cyril Ramaphosa has broken his silence on resignation rumours following the ANC’s bruising defeat in the 2026 local government elections.

0 President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed speculation that he plans to resign following the ANC’s poor performance in the 2026 local government elections. Image: X President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed speculation that he could resign following the African National Congress’s (ANC) poor showing in the 2026 local government elections.

Speaking on the sidelines of the Electoral Commission of South Africa’s (IEC) final results announcement on Sunday, 8 November, Ramaphosa questioned the claims surrounding his political future.

“I do not know where these rumours are coming from; I mean, whoever came up with a rumour like that is preposterous,” he said.

His remarks follow reports that he raised the possibility of stepping down as ANC president during discussions with senior party leaders.

According to reports, several ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) members claimed Ramaphosa suggested the party’s leadership should take responsibility for its declining electoral support.

The ANC secured approximately 30.8% of the national vote, marking another significant setback for the party.

The speculation also raised questions about the potential consequences for the Government of National Unity (GNU).

ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has rejected suggestions that Ramaphosa’s departure is being considered.

“The President will not resign. That is just mischief,” Mbalula said.

Ramaphosa did NOT offer to resign – MbalulaSpeaking to Radio Islam , the @MbalulaFikile SG responds to media reports about the President offering to resign over the parties poor election performance pic.twitter.com/TL8rRQox9m

He said the party would examine its election performance and prepare a report ahead of its NEC discussions.

Ramaphosa, meanwhile, acknowledged the ANC’s disappointing results, saying the party accepted the outcome.

“Concerning it might be, we accept that this is how the people of South Africa in our towns, our cities, in our metros have spoken. And this is their verdict. And we accept it with humility,” he said.

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