The African National Congress's National General Council begins this week in Boksburg, focusing on party performance and renewal without discussing leadership changes. Deputy President Paul Mashatile affirmed that President Cyril Ramaphosa will remain in office until the end of his term in 2027. Rumors of a plot to remove him have been firmly denied by party structures.
The ANC's fifth National General Council (NGC) is scheduled from December 8 to 11 at the Birchwood Conference Centre in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg. This mid-term gathering serves as a platform to assess the party's policy implementation, evaluate progress on resolutions, and advance its renewal agenda. Secretary General Fikile Mbalula emphasized that the event centers on restoring integrity, rebuilding organizational capacity, and reconnecting with communities, highlighting measurable outcomes in governance and economic confidence.
Amid speculation of internal factions plotting to unseat President Cyril Ramaphosa, party leaders have issued strong denials. Reports from Sunday World suggested a move led by Deputy Ministers Mondli Gungubele and Joe Phaahla to install former President Thabo Mbeki as caretaker, but both denied involvement. The ANC labeled the claims 'misleading and destructive,' quoting the late Oliver Tambo against factionalism. The ANC Youth League rejected the 'baseless claims' with contempt, while the Veterans League, under Snuki Zikalala, also dismissed the rumors.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile clarified that leadership issues are reserved for the 2027 national conference, stating, 'The NGC will not really deal with issues of leadership at all.' He noted Ramaphosa's own raising of the plot in the National Executive Committee (NEC), where it was rejected. Political analyst Sandile Swana pointed out the NGC's focus on reviewing the Government of National Unity (GNU)'s successes and failures, internal structures, and renewal efforts.
Ramaphosa's recent hosting of a successful G20 summit has bolstered his position, portraying him as a statesman amid global challenges. The party plans to investigate the origins of the plot rumors, as requested by Gungubele to the National Working Committee. Despite ongoing debates about performance since 2018, the NGC aims to strengthen the ANC's direction without leadership upheaval.
