South Africa’s Ramaphosa Receives ‘Full Support’ From ANC Amid Renewed Scandal Pressure

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has received “full support” from the ruling African National Congress (ANC) despite renewed political pressure and criticism linked to ongoing controversy surrounding past allegations of misconduct.

Senior ANC officials publicly backed Ramaphosa following intense internal discussions, dismissing opposition calls for his resignation and insisting the president remains focused on stabilizing the economy, addressing unemployment and preparing the party for upcoming political battles.

The latest show of support comes as Ramaphosa faces renewed scrutiny over the long-running Phala Phala scandal, which has continued to haunt his presidency and fuel criticism from opposition parties and some factions within the ANC.

ANC Leadership Rallies Behind Ramaphosa

ANC Secretary-General Fikile Mbalula said the party maintains confidence in Ramaphosa’s leadership and rejected claims that the president was under pressure to step down.

“The ANC fully supports President Ramaphosa,” party leaders said after high-level meetings, arguing that the scandal has already been subjected to multiple investigations and political processes.

Party officials accused opposition groups of attempting to exploit the issue for political gain ahead of key electoral contests and coalition negotiations.

The ANC remains South Africa’s largest political force but has faced declining public support in recent years due to economic struggles, corruption allegations, high unemployment, electricity shortages, and public frustration over service delivery.

The Phala Phala Scandal Explained

The controversy centers around the 2020 theft of a large amount of cash hidden at Ramaphosa’s Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo province.

The scandal erupted publicly in 2022 after former spy chief Arthur Fraser accused the president of concealing the theft, bypassing official reporting procedures, and improperly handling the investigation.

Ramaphosa denied wrongdoing and insisted the money came from the legitimate sale of game animals.

The scandal triggered a major political crisis at the time, with some ANC figures fearing it could force Ramaphosa from office.

However, the president survived several legal and parliamentary challenges, and an independent panel’s findings did not ultimately lead to impeachment proceedings.

Opposition Parties Intensify Criticism

Opposition parties continue to argue that the scandal damaged public trust in the presidency and exposed weaknesses in accountability mechanisms.

The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) and the Democratic Alliance (DA) have repeatedly called for greater transparency regarding the source of the funds and the handling of the burglary.

Critics also accuse the ANC of protecting senior leaders from accountability, allegations the ruling party strongly rejects.

Political analysts say Ramaphosa’s survival reflects both his influence inside the ANC and the absence of a clear alternative leader capable of unifying the party.

Ramaphosa Focuses on Economic Challenges

Despite the controversy, Ramaphosa has continued to position himself as a reform-minded leader focused on economic recovery and investment.

His administration has prioritized efforts to stabilize South Africa’s electricity grid, attract foreign investment, reduce corruption, and improve state institutions weakened during the era of former president Jacob Zuma.

South Africa continues to face serious economic challenges, including one of the world’s highest unemployment rates, slow growth, infrastructure problems, and rising public dissatisfaction.

The ANC’s internal unity is considered critical as the party prepares for future elections amid growing competition from opposition parties and coalition politics.

Political Stability Remains Key Concern

Analysts say the ANC’s decision to publicly reaffirm support for Ramaphosa is aimed at projecting stability at a time of heightened political uncertainty.

Financial markets and investors have closely monitored the situation, with concerns that prolonged internal divisions within the ANC could affect policy implementation and economic confidence.

Although Ramaphosa remains politically vulnerable, his allies argue that ongoing reforms and anti-corruption efforts should remain the government’s priority rather than internal leadership disputes.

For now, ANC leaders appear determined to close ranks around the president as South Africa navigates a difficult political and economic period.

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