South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has been re-elected as leader of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) for a second five-year term, following a closely contested party leadership election.
Delegates at the ANC’s national conference voted in favour of Ramaphosa over his main challenger, Zweli Mkhize, a former health minister and party treasurer.
“Ramaphosa has snatched victory from the jaws of defeat … He was on the verge of resignation just weeks ago but has emerged stronger and more powerful. It is a remarkable turnaround,” said Richard Calland, a professor at the University of Cape Town.
Both Ramaphosa and Mkhize faced corruption allegations during the campaign, reflecting the ongoing perception of deep-rooted graft within the ANC. Mkhize was placed on special leave in 2021 after being accused of diverting Covid-19 funds for personal use, allegations he denies.
Ramaphosa’s leadership bid was overshadowed by the so-called “farmgate” scandal, involving between $580,000 and $5 million in undeclared foreign currency found hidden at his private game farm. The 70-year-old leader avoided impeachment after a parliamentary vote earlier in December but still faces accusations of holding undeclared funds, tax evasion, and misuse of state resources — all of which he denies.
After briefly considering resignation following the release of a damning parliamentary report, Ramaphosa opted instead to challenge the findings in court. His victory in the party election is seen as a major political rebound that reassures moderate voters and investors alike.
Under South Africa’s political system, the ANC leader automatically becomes the party’s presidential candidate. Ramaphosa will now lead the ANC into the 2024 general elections. Although analysts predict that the ANC could lose its parliamentary majority for the first time since 1994, Ramaphosa is still expected to remain president, likely through a coalition arrangement.
Voting continues for the 80-member ANC National Executive Committee, but most senior leadership positions have already been secured by Ramaphosa loyalists.
Political analyst Thuli Madonsela congratulated the president, tweeting: “Blessings as you and your team tackle the Herculean task ahead.”
Despite his re-election, Ramaphosa faces significant challenges, including an energy crisis, high unemployment, and declining party support in urban areas. Analysts say he must act decisively to reform the ANC and address corruption if he hopes to restore public confidence.
“The problem is the ANC, not the country,” said political analyst Asanda Ngoasheng. “South Africa has a lot of potential to reverse the downward spiral … But there is a risk of people giving up on a country that really just needs good leadership.”
