The African National Congress (ANC) has firmly dismissed rumors that South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is considering resignation following the party’s disappointing results in the 2026 local government elections. This speculation arose after the ANC’s electoral support continued its downward trend, plummeting to approximately 30.75% in the recent elections, a significant drop from the 40% secured during the 2024 general elections when the party lost its parliamentary majority for the first time.
ANC spokesperson Mahlengi Bhengu addressed these reports, labeling them as false and confirming that neither President Ramaphosa nor the party’s leadership is currently under pressure to resign. She emphasized that the election results require a collective evaluation by party leaders rather than individual accountability.
Bhengu praised President Ramaphosa’s efforts during the campaign, noting his extensive nationwide visits and leadership throughout the election period. She also mentioned that while discussions on leadership changes or collective resignations could emerge during the ANC National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting, the immediate priority is to provide guidance to the party’s negotiators.
The ANC’s recent electoral performance reflects a challenging period for the party, which has seen a steady decline in voter support. The outcome of the 2026 elections underscores the need for introspection and strategic reassessment within the party, as it seeks to navigate these electoral setbacks.
As the ANC prepares for the NEC meeting, the focus will be on understanding the factors contributing to the party’s diminished support and formulating strategies to regain voter confidence. Despite the current challenges, Bhengu’s statements indicate that the ANC remains committed to its leadership under President Ramaphosa and aims to address the issues affecting its electoral performance collectively.