Fikile Mbalula denies rumours that Ramaphosa has been asked to step down after G20 Summit

ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula has dismissed reports that President Cyril Ramaphosa has been asked to step down as the country’s number one citizen after the conclusion of the G20 Summit.

Mbalula said these are mere rumours and were not discussed at the party’s national executive committee (NEC) meeting last weekend.

But at a post NEC meeting briefing on Tuesday, Mbalula did admit that there are those within the party who are actively plotting Ramaphosa’s removal before the party’s next elective congress in 2027.

Following weekend reports that Ramaphosa’s early departure was up for discussion at the NEC meeting, and that Ramaphosa himself addressed the matter, Mbalula said the media is being used by Ramaphosa’s detractors.

“There are people who have got such intentions, and trying to get it going in our structures, and thus far, that has failed.”

He said Ramaphosa told the gathering that he was undeterred by attempts to remove him and he’s prepared to go at any time.

Mbalula, however, insisted that the party is happy with Ramaphosa’sperformance.

“But he will not go because he was elected by members of the ANC, not by rumour mongers and that’s what’s important, and by those peddling negativity to undermine the cohesion of the ANC.”

Mbalula said December’s national general council is set to focus on strategy to regain the party’s political majority and not a platform to oust Ramaphosa.

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