The African National Congress (ANC) has firmly denied claims that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa intends to resign following the party’s disappointing results in the 2026 local government elections. ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu labeled the reports of Ramaphosa’s resignation as false, emphasizing that neither the president nor the party’s leadership is under pressure to step down.
The ANC has struggled with declining electoral support in recent years. After losing its parliamentary majority in the 2024 general elections with around 40% of the vote, the party saw its support fall further to approximately 30.75% in the latest local elections. Despite these setbacks, Bhengu praised Ramaphosa’s efforts during the campaign, highlighting his extensive travels and leadership throughout the election period.
Speaking ahead of an ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, Bhengu stated that the election results necessitate a collective assessment by party leaders. While discussions about potential leadership changes or collective resignations could be part of the upcoming evaluation, the immediate focus of the meeting is to establish a mandate for the party’s negotiators.
The ANC’s electoral performance has prompted introspection within the party, but Bhengu’s remarks underscore a commitment to addressing these challenges without immediate shifts in leadership. As the ANC prepares for its internal discussions, Ramaphosa’s role and future actions remain central to the party’s strategy moving forward.