Former President Thabo Mbeki has expressed his concerns over the ANC's recent electoral performance, stating that President Cyril Ramaphosa would be right to resign if reports of his possible departure are true. Mbeki made these comments on the African Renaissance Podcast, where he emphasized that the ANC's current leadership should take responsibility for the party's decline. He questioned what positive developments could be attributed to Ramaphosa's presidency since he became ANC president in 2017 and president of the country in 2018.
Mbeki pointed to the country's struggling economy, rising unemployment, poverty, violence, and crime, as well as the ANC's declining electoral support, as evidence of the party's failures. He suggested that the ANC's top seven leaders, including Ramaphosa, should reflect on their performance and consider whether they were still the right people to lead the organisation. Mbeki's comments come amid reports that Ramaphosa had raised the possibility of resigning following the ANC's disappointing election performance.
The ANC's top seven comprises Ramaphosa, deputy president Paul Mashatile, national chairperson Gwede Mantashe, secretary general Fikile Mbalula, first deputy secretary general Nomvula Mokonyane, second deputy secretary general Maropene Ramokgopa, and treasurer general Gwen Ramokgopa. Mbeki's call for leadership accountability comes after the ANC suffered a major electoral setback, with its national share of the vote dropping from 45.59% in the 2021 local government elections to 30.76% in 2026.
In response to Mbeki's comments, Fikile Mbalula, ANC secretary general, dismissed reports that Ramaphosa is considering stepping down, insisting that there is no such discussion within the party. Mbalula stated that the party was preparing a report for the NEC to guide its response to the election results. The report will examine how the ANC's election campaign was conducted and identify the reasons behind its poor performance.
The ANC's electoral decline has significant implications for the party's future, with some insiders warning that Ramaphosa's departure could put the Government of National Unity (GNU) at risk. Mbeki, however, remains adamant that the ANC leadership needs to take responsibility for its failures, stating that they should be brave enough to accept accountability. He added that the ANC's renewal efforts may require new leadership.
Ramaphosa has also questioned the source of the resignation rumours, stating that they are "preposterous." The president's comments come after the ANC dismissed claims that he could resign following the party's poor performance. The IEC has declared the 2026 municipal elections free and fair, with the ANC securing outright majorities in 53 municipalities and emerging as the leading party in 128 municipalities.
The ANC's poor performance has raised concerns about the party's future, with some calling for a change in leadership. Mbeki's comments have added to the debate, with his suggestion that the leadership should consider resignation sparking a renewed focus on the party's accountability. As the ANC begins to examine its election campaign and identify areas for improvement, it remains to be seen how the party will respond to Mbeki's calls for leadership accountability.
Key points
- Mbeki urges ANC leadership to take responsibility for electoral decline
- ANC suffers major electoral setback with 30.76% national share of the vote
- Ramaphosa questions source of resignation rumours, calls them "preposterous"
