The African National Congress (ANC) has firmly dismissed rumors that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa plans to resign following the party’s disappointing results in the 2026 local government elections. This speculation arose amid the ANC’s ongoing struggle with declining electoral support, as evidenced by its drop to approximately 30.75% in the latest elections. This follows the party’s earlier loss of a parliamentary majority in the 2024 general elections, where it garnered around 40% of the vote.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu addressed these rumors, labeling reports of Ramaphosa’s potential resignation as false. She emphasized that neither the president nor the party’s leadership is currently under pressure to step down. Bhengu also highlighted that any discussions on leadership changes or resignations would be part of a broader election assessment by the party.
As the ANC prepares for its National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Bhengu noted that the focus would be on collectively evaluating the election outcomes. She praised President Ramaphosa for his dedication during the campaign period, citing his extensive nationwide visits and leadership efforts aimed at bolstering the party’s performance.
The NEC meeting is expected to prioritize forming a mandate for the party’s negotiators, rather than immediate leadership changes. Bhengu suggested that while the election results call for a thorough review, the immediate goal is to strategize the ANC’s future political moves.
In light of the ANC’s electoral challenges, the party’s leadership appears committed to addressing the underlying issues, rather than hastily considering resignations. The emphasis remains on a united assessment and strategic planning to navigate the party’s future trajectory in South Africa’s political landscape.