ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula has dismissed reports of a leadership battle at the upcoming National General Council, insisting it will focus on reviewing past resolutions rather than removing President Cyril Ramaphosa. Speaking after a Special NEC meeting in Boksburg, he urged party unity against divisive forces. The gathering is set for next Monday.
The African National Congress (ANC) is preparing for its 5th National General Council (NGC), scheduled to begin next Monday in Boksburg, east of Johannesburg. According to Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula, the event will center on evaluating the implementation of resolutions from the party's 2022 conference, alongside discussions on the economy, organizational governance, and a review of the elected leadership.
Mbalula addressed the media on the sidelines of a one-day Special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting held earlier on December 1, 2025. He firmly rejected speculation that the NGC could evolve into a platform for challenging President Cyril Ramaphosa's position, amid reports from some senior party members advocating for his departure. "They have closed ranks to protect their president," Mbalula stated, emphasizing internal solidarity.
In a tweet from the same day, Mbalula elaborated: "There is no leadership struggle in the ANC. We closing ranks and we call on all ANC members to follow suit and close ranks. These are stories planted by forces from within and outside who are hellbent on disintegrating the ANC. These dark forces are working overtime."
The Special NEC session was convened specifically to finalize preparations for the mid-term NGC, underscoring the party's commitment to its agenda amid external pressures.