President Cyril Ramaphosa has come out strongly against internal critics within the African National Congress (ANC), declaring that he will not be intimidated or pushed aside by those seeking power and government positions.
Addressing delegates during the ANC’s National General Council (NGC), Ramaphosa said there were individuals within the movement who were “fighting for positions, not principles,” and who were using internal tensions to advance their own political ambitions.
Ramaphosa insisted that his leadership would remain steady despite the rising pressure from factions unhappy with recent government appointments, the Government of National Unity (GNU), and the broader direction of the party.
“Some comrades want me out because they want positions. They believe removing me will open doors for themselves. But I will not be shaken. I remain committed to rebuilding this organisation,” he told delegates.
His remarks come at a time when the ANC faces deep internal divisions over the GNU, with several structures expressing frustration over the Democratic Alliance’s influence in government. Ramaphosa defended the GNU, arguing that it was formed out of necessity and remains vital for national stability.
He accused certain leaders of exploiting these disagreements to drive a campaign against his leadership.
Despite the pressure, Ramaphosa said he would not stray from the ANC’s renewal agenda, warning that personal ambitions and factionalism were weakening the movement.
“We cannot allow power struggles to define the ANC. We must defend the unity of this organisation at all costs,” he said.
As debates intensify within the NGC, Ramaphosa’s firm stance has set the tone for what could become one of the most contested periods of his presidency — with both his authority and the future direction of the ANC under the spotlight.
