By Everson Luhanga
- Ramaphosa confronted African National Congress officials who have been pushing for his removal, telling them to stop hiding in dark corners and to name the day they want him gone.
- He also backed tough lifestyle audits for all National Executive Committee members, warning the party will collapse if it behaves like a mafia while the Madlanga inquiry exposes corruption.
Cyril Ramaphosa has thrown down a bold challenge to his critics at the top of the African National Congress, daring them to stop plotting behind his back and give him a clear date if they want him out of office.
The African National Congress president delivered the challenge during a heated political overview at a National Executive Committee meeting. He told the room that he is not desperate to stay in power and will resign as soon as the committee makes a formal decision. He said he would even step down tomorrow if they asked him to.
Ramaphosa did not hold back. He told those discussing his future in private meetings and side chats to stop whispering and face him openly. He warned them to stop behaving like cowards and to bring their concerns into the organisation where everyone can see them.
His comments follow weeks of speculation that he was preparing to resign after the G20 summit. Those rumours were dismissed by senior figures, who said Ramaphosa never told anyone he planned to leave after the international gathering. But the noise around his future has grown louder inside the party.
In the same meeting, Ramaphosa took aim at corruption. He spoke about the Madlanga Commission of Inquiry, which is investigating political interference and criminal networks inside the police and the wider security cluster. He said the African National Congress cannot pretend these problems only exist in government and warned that some party leaders may also be involved.
Ramaphosa called for lifestyle audits on every member of the National Executive Committee. He said anyone who wants to lead the party must be ready to account for their income, assets and spending. African National Congress secretary general Fikile Mbalula has already said lifestyle audits will be expanded to leaders at all levels.
Ramaphosa warned that the party must never act like a mafia, where powerful people protect each other while the public loses trust. He said South Africans can see the damage caused by corruption exposed at the inquiry and the African National Congress cannot afford to shield anyone.
His message to his opponents remained firm. If they believe he is becoming a burden to the party, they must say so openly and take a proper decision. He said he will respect that decision and step aside. Until then, he will continue as president and push for stronger action against corruption and poor leadership across government.
Pictured above: President Cyril Ramaphosa
Image source: File
