Developing story: this follows our earlier report that Ramaphosa had reportedly raised stepping down as ANC president. Neither the president nor the party has confirmed any plan to resign.
President Cyril Ramaphosa has dismissed reports that he is considering resigning after the ANC's worst-ever local government election result, calling them "preposterous".
Speaking to journalists on Monday, Ramaphosa was asked about the reports. He said: "I don't know where these rumours come from. I mean, who came up with a rumour like that? It's preposterous." On the election outcome he said: "This is their verdict, and we accept it. We accept it with humility."
Mbalula: 'not going anywhere'
ANC secretary-general Fikile Mbalula also denied the reports, saying: "The president is not going anywhere, and there's no such consideration." He added that stepping down would be "tantamount to running away".
The result behind the rumours
According to the Independent Electoral Commission's final results, the ANC won 30.76% of the vote nationally, down from 45.59% in 2021, and 3,246 council seats. The DA took 24.64% and 1,695 seats, the MK Party 9.76% and 785 seats, the EFF 6.22% and 588 seats, and ActionSA 5.67% and 313 seats.
The rumours began circulating after the results were declared on Sunday evening, along with talk that senior ANC leaders could face pressure to step aside. Earlier this weekend, EFF leader Julius Malema said the ANC should accept Ramaphosa's exit if the MK Party demanded it as the price of a coalition.
What we do not yet know
- The source and wording of the original report that Ramaphosa had raised stepping down.
- Whether the ANC's national executive committee will discuss the president's position when it meets.
- The exact time and venue of the president's remarks to journalists.
