Mbeki has his say on Ramaphosa resignation rumours

Former president Thabo Mbeki says President Cyril Ramaphosa would be taking the correct decision if reports that he offered to resign following the ANC’s election losses were true.

Mbeki made the remarks during an interview with Mbuyiseni Ndlozi on the African Renaissance Podcast on Monday, 9 November.

His comments follow reports that Ramaphosa offered to step down after the ANC suffered another decline in support during last week’s local government elections.

Both Ramaphosa and ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula have denied the reports.

MBEKI QUESTIONS ANC LEADERSHIP

Mbeki said he had heard about the reported resignation offer but had not personally read the article.

He nevertheless argued that political leaders should take responsibility when their parties suffer major election losses.

“When I saw that, I said, I think he’s taking the correct position,” Mbeki said.

He also questioned whether the ANC’s top seven leaders should consider stepping down.

Mbeki said the party’s leadership must account for its performance rather than continue without taking responsibility.

The ANC secured 30.76% of the national vote in the 2026 local government elections, down from 45.59% in 2021.

RAMAPHOSA DENIES RESIGNATION REPORTS

Ramaphosa has dismissed claims that he offered to leave office.

“I don’t know where these rumours come from,” the president said when questioned about the reports.

Mbalula also rejected the speculation, insisting that Ramaphosa would remain in his position.

“The president is not going anywhere,” he said.

Mbeki, meanwhile, called on the ANC leadership to examine its role in the party’s declining electoral support.

He said the organisation’s leaders, including himself as a member of the national executive committee, must take responsibility for what the ANC has done and failed to do.

His comments come as the ANC faces coalition negotiations in municipalities where it failed to secure a majority.