Is Cyril Ramaphosa Still the ANC's Biggest Asset?

Published 2026-11-02

For much of the past decade, many people in South African politics believed that Cyril Ramaphosa was the strongest electoral asset of the African National Congress (ANC). He became leader of the party in 2017 and president of South Africa in 2018, after the resignation of Jacob Zuma. Many voters saw him as a symbol of renewal, honesty, and a fresh start for the country and for the ANC.

However, the situation has changed in recent years. The ANC lost its outright majority in the 2024 general election, winning about 40 percent of the vote. This was the lowest result in the party's history since the first democratic election in 1994. As a result, the ANC had to form a Government of National Unity with several other parties to keep governing. Critics say that the party's problems, such as corruption scandals, slow economic growth, high unemployment, and failing public services, have affected how voters see the party and its leader.

Supporters of the president argue that he has tried to fight corruption, improve relations with investors, and bring stability to the country. They say that the ANC's decline is caused by problems that were built up over many years, not by one person. Other analysts, however, ask whether Mr Ramaphosa can still attract voters who have lost trust in the party. They also question whether his leadership can help the ANC win back support before the next national elections.

The question of whether Mr Ramaphosa is now the ANC's greatest asset or its greatest liability is still open. Much will depend on how well the government deals with the economy, crime, and service delivery in the coming years. It will also depend on whether the ANC can unite its members and show voters that it can still bring real change.

Sources: The Common Sense

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