Mbalula dismisses rumours of plot to topple Ramaphosa at ANC NGC
African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula has said the party’s upcoming National General Council (NGC) will focus on renewal and not on removing President Cyril Ramaphosa.
Image: ANC / X
African National Congress (ANC) secretary-general Fikile Mbalula insists that the party’s National General Council (NGC) next week will not be used as a platform to remove party president Cyril Ramaphosa.
He said the meeting will focus on reviewing and renewing the implementation of resolutions from the ANC’s 2022 national conference.
Speaking to the media on the sidelines of a special National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting in Boksburg this week, Mbalula dismissed reports suggesting that some senior members were pushing for a leadership change.
He said that the ANC has “closed ranks” to protect its president and focus on renewal.
“There is no leadership struggle in this at all. We're closing ranks. These are stories that are plotted deliberately by forces from within and outside our movement, who are hell-bent on disintegrating the ANC,” Mbalula said.
Mbalula reaffirmed confidence in Ramaphosa’s leadership, describing him as “a leader with thick skin. He understands his responsibilities. He's not deterred by any of this. He's focused on the task that has been given by the organisation to lead the African National Congress.”
ANC leaders Mondli Gungubele and Deputy Minister of Health, Dr Joe Phaahla, earlier this week vehemently denied allegations that they are planning to overthrow Ramaphosa.
Both members issued separate statements on Monday evening, distancing themselves from the alleged plot.
The denials came as reports of a renewed plot by some “disgruntled” ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) members to remove Ramaphosa surfaced.
Phaahla called the allegations “utter hogwash” while Gungubele said it was a “falsehood”.
Mbalula said the NGC would serve as a platform for critical reflection and robust engagement, aimed at strengthening the party rather than settling internal leadership disputes.
“The general council is a big political school. This weekend, we have just concluded our provincial general councils in the provinces. We have seen an organisation that is determined to come back and strengthen itself and ensure that renewal is a key buzzword for the organisation going forward,” Mbalula said.
The NGC will take place from December 8 to 11 at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre.