ANC Rejects Calls for Cyril Ramaphosa to Resign After Election Loss

The African National Congress (ANC) has rejected calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to resign following the party's worst municipal election performance since 1994. In the November 4 local government elections, the ANC's national vote share fell to 30.76 percent, a sharp decline from 45.59 percent in 2021. This result left several major cities, including Johannesburg, without a majority party.

ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu dismissed reports that Ramaphosa had offered to step down as a "fabrication," stating that the president is not under pressure to leave. This defense comes despite public criticism from former president Thabo Mbeki, who argued that Ramaphosa and other party leaders should resign to take accountability for the losses. Ramaphosa is expected to remain in his post until December 2027, when he completes two five-year terms.

On November 12 and 13, the party's National Executive Committee met in Boksburg to develop a survival strategy and negotiate coalition mandates. The committee is weighing three options: a grand coalition with the Democratic Alliance (DA), partnering with smaller parties such as the EFF and MK Party, or moving into opposition to rebuild. The DA is currently pushing for a model where the party with the highest vote in each metro claims the mayoralty, which would grant them control of Johannesburg, Tshwane, Ekurhuleni, and Nelson Mandela Bay. All parties must elect office-bearers by November 26 to meet statutory deadlines.