McKenzie: ANC would make a ‘massive mistake’ if Ramaphosa is pushed out

Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has defended calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down, saying that it would be a “massive mistake” for the ANC to remove him as party leader and the country’s President.

McKenzie argued that under Ramaphosa’s leadership of the Government of National Unity (GNU), inflation is at its lowest in years and nearly 300,000 jobs were created in the third quarter. 

He said these signs show the GNU is moving the country in the right direction.

His remarks follow growing speculation that Ramaphosa may resign after the upcoming G20 summit.

Addressing his supporters on Facebook live on Sunday, McKenzie said tensions within the ANC were escalating.

“Patriots, let me tell you tonight: there’s war. The war has started,” he said. 

“If you check the news, I am told the president told them, ‘Give me the date that you want me to resign.’

“Apparently, there are people in dark corners who want the president to go, which would be a massive mistake.”

McKenzie, who is the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture in the GNU, insisted that South Africa had “turned the corner”, claiming that economic indicators were improving under Ramaphosa.

He pointed to the strength of the rand, saying, “I had to pay somebody overseas today, and Eugene said, ‘No, that’s not the amount - the rand is so strong now.’”

He further argued that inflation was at its lowest and that jobs were being created.

“In the third quarter, we created close to 300,000 jobs. So the GNU is really taking the country up now,” he said. 

“Don’t believe me; listen to the foremost experts on these issues. We did this under President Cyril Ramaphosa.”

McKenzie added that efforts made last year were “starting to bear fruit”.

“It would be a great mistake for them to want to move Ramaphosa and come with a new king - not now,” he said. “We are being led into prosperity.”

Since the GNU was formed after the May 2024 elections, McKenzie has regularly praised Ramaphosa - largely because his party is now part of the government.

Rumours have circulated suggesting Ramaphosa may step down shortly after the G20 Heads of State Summit in Johannesburg, taking place from 22 to 23 November. 

The speculation has been fuelled by claims of internal pressure within the ANC.

The ANC, however, has strongly denied the reports.

Speaking at a media briefing over the weekend, ANC’s acting national spokesperson Nonceba Mhlauli rejected suggestions that Ramaphosa was in a “departure lounge”.

“I’m not sure what departure lounge that is,” she said. “As far as we are concerned, there is no departure lounge in the national executive committee.

“This NEC was elected in December 2022. Our term ends in December 2027, and it will end with President Cyril Ramaphosa as the president of the ANC - unless he decides to stand for a third term,” she said jokingly.

IOL News previously reported that Ramaphosa’s long-time adviser and special envoy, Bejani Chauke, also dismissed the speculation.

He called the rumours “disturbing and unfounded”, saying they attempted to undermine preparations for Africa’s first G20 summit.

He stressed that Ramaphosa’s mandate was secure.

“The South African Constitution allows a president to serve two terms. President Ramaphosa completed his first term and was re-elected by Parliament to serve a second,” Chauke said.

“If there ever comes a moment when the president considers shortening his term, it will be when the parties represented in Parliament decide. Until then, he is well within his mandate.”

Chauke condemned what he called the “irresponsible” spreading of claims that the president was preparing to resign.

“It should be stated unequivocally: the President of South Africa is not resigning,” he said.

“The administration remains stable and focused on delivering for the people of South Africa.”

simon.majadibodu@iol.co.za

IOL Politics