Crumbling municipalities under spotlight during Cyril's secret GNU retreat

THE critical state of local governance and next year's elections apparently topped the agenda of the two-day Government of National Unity (GNU) retreat at the Cradle of Humankind at the weekend.

The gathering, which concluded on Saturday, was convened amidst speculation about the GNU's future and about Ramaphosa's own leadership, with several ANC insiders expressing a growing lack of confidence in his ability to steer the nation.

Sources close to the discussions from within government, the ANC and opposition parties, revealed that a significant portion of the closed-door discussions revolved around the critical state of local governance and next year's elections.

While no official agenda was shared, and leaders were ordered to maintain secrecy, the urgency of municipal collapse appears to have dominated much of the conversation.

"The President was very clear," one ANC source said.

"He essentially begged the GNU partners to set aside their differences and focus on the ground-level issues. He said, 'Our people are suffering because municipalities are failing. We must make them work, and we must do it together'."

This sentiment was echoed by a leader from another GNU party, who confirmed: "The emphasis on local government was undeniable. It felt like a desperate call for collective action."

However, this plea for unity comes at a time when Ramaphosa's position within his own party is reportedly under threat.

According to media reports, several ANC leaders indicated a growing sentiment that Ramaphosa is considering stepping down before the end of his five-year term in 2029.

The retreat, which was only confirmed by Ramaphosa's spokesperson Vincent Magwenya as "long overdue" and designed to allow leaders to speak "freely and openly" without media scrutiny, was intended to thrash out "all matters relevant to the GNU."

Political analyst, Dr John Molepo said the clandestine nature of the GNU retreat, coupled with the reported internal ANC dissent regarding Ramaphosa's leadership, paints a picture of a government in flux.

Ramaphosa's apparent "begging" for cooperation on municipal issues underscores the profound challenges facing the GNU and by extension, the country.

“It suggests a recognition that the current top-down approach is insufficient and that buy-in from all partners is crucial for effective governance at the local level.

“However, the reported lack of confidence from within his own party significantly weakens Ramaphosa's hand. If key ANC figures are actively discussing his early departure, it creates an unstable environment where his authority to lead the GNU is inevitably compromised."

Molepo said the GNU's success hinges on a strong, unified leadership, and if the very foundation of that leadership is being questioned, its ability to tackle critical issues like municipal dysfunction will be severely hampered.

"The fact that the GNU's own clearing house mechanism is only a recommending body and refers unresolved issues to a broader forum, further dilutes presidential power.

“The coming months will be critical in determining whether Ramaphosa can regain the trust of his party and effectively leverage the GNU to address the nation's pressing challenges,” he said.

Cape Times