As the country wonders about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s political future, the government of national unity (GNU) is facing questions about its future.
Bantu Holomisa, the leader of the UDM, says that other parties could step up if the ANC decides to recall Ramaphosa.
Holomisa, who is speaking amid the speculation that the governing ANC discussed claims of a plot to topple Ramaphosa at its national executive committee (NEC) meeting over the weekend, says that while the ANC holds the numerical advantage within the GNU, it does not hold exclusive authority over leadership discussions.
“Leaders come and go, and as you know, the ANC, having the most numbers in the leadership of the GNU, has to give guidance on how they intend to address that scenario.
“However, that does not mean other parties in the coalition cannot raise their hands if there is a leadership gap or if someone is not making it. But primarily, the ANC charts the way forward.”
He says any future leader must maintain the spirit of cooperation that defines Ramaphosa’s engagement with GNU partners.
Holomisa stresses that any recall follows ANC internal processes, though parliament might need to be informed, as Ramaphosa is elected through a multi-party parliamentary process. For now, he says, the matter rests with the ANC’s internal structures.
On the other hand, Ganief Hendricks, the leader of Al Jama-ah, said that the president must finish his full term to keep the coalition stable.
Hendricks warns that removing Ramaphosa prematurely could destabilise the GNU.
“Ramaphosa must serve his full term and leave a legacy behind so we can continue with the GNU. South Africa will have a GNU for the next decade. Only after a full term will any ANC leader continue the legacy.
“There is still work to be done, although the clearing house is in place. The GNU is new ground, and only Ramaphosa can give it the strength it needs. What is urgently needed is a secretariat of technocrats,” Hendricks says.
Rumours about Ramaphosa’s potential departure stem from comments he made at the NEC meeting last weekend, challenging his critics to give him a date by which he should resign.
He says discussions about his departure should not happen “in dark corners”, and he will heed calls for his resignation if approached directly.
Rise Mzansi leader Songezo Zibi said his party does not interfere in ANC internal affairs.
“We do not comment on internal party matters of GNU partners or any other political
party. It is the ANC that enters the GNU arrangement, not the individual, so my understanding is that it is the party that is committed to the GNU,” Zibi says.
Zibi adds that the GNU needs “a unifier and a strong driver of the economic and government reform programme”.
The DA also distanced itself from debates around the ANC’s internal decisions. DA spokesperson Karabo Khakhau says the party’s focus remains on governance, not succession battles.
“Our priority is ensuring the GNU delivers on its mandate, regardless of who the ANC chooses to lead it,” Khakhau says.
GOOD Party secretary-general Brett Herron warns against personality-driven politics.
“Personality cults are bad for democracy. As strong as any leader is, the structure of the democracy and its values must be stronger. When they aren’t, it creates conditions for state capture,” Herron says.
