South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has urged members of the ruling African National Congress to intensify the fight against corruption, warning that graft poses a serious threat to the future of the party and the country.
“We have no choice, we either deal with corruption or we perish,” Ramaphosa told delegates on Tuesday as he closed the ANC’s national conference after securing reelection as party leader. “Corruption within our party is, indeed, a dire threat.”
Ramaphosa’s victory at the conference marked a significant political win after a closely contested leadership battle against former Health Minister Zweli Mkhize. His reelection strengthens his position ahead of South Africa’s 2024 national elections and paves the way for him to seek a second term as president.
Reelection Comes Amid Scandal
Despite campaigning on an anti corruption platform since taking office, Ramaphosa has himself faced growing scrutiny over the controversial “Farmgate” scandal involving large sums of undeclared foreign currency stolen from his Phala Phala game farm in Limpopo province.
The controversy intensified after a parliamentary panel concluded that he may have breached sections of the constitution and violated currency regulations linked to the cash found hidden at the farm.
Ramaphosa has denied wrongdoing, insisting the money came from the legitimate sale of livestock and game animals. Last week, he survived a parliamentary vote seeking to begin impeachment proceedings after ANC lawmakers used their majority to block the move.
The scandal nevertheless exposed divisions within the ANC and fueled criticism from both opposition parties and factions inside the ruling party.
Calls For Unity Amid National Challenges
In his closing address, Ramaphosa said the ANC needed unity and renewed focus to address South Africa’s mounting economic and social problems, including severe electricity shortages and high unemployment.
South Africa has experienced rolling nationwide power cuts lasting more than seven hours a day in some areas, while unemployment remains among the highest in the world at around 35 percent.
Ramaphosa said internal divisions risk weakening the ANC at a time when the government faces increasing public frustration over the economy, corruption and failing infrastructure.
Political observers say the ANC conference highlighted both Ramaphosa’s continued influence within the party and the growing tensions between reformist and rival factions competing for control of the movement.
Internal Tensions Remain Visible
One of the most notable signs of those divisions came from Cabinet minister Nkosazana Dlamini-Zuma, who voted in favour of impeachment proceedings against Ramaphosa despite ANC instructions opposing the move.
Her decision could lead to internal disciplinary action for defying the party line.
Speaking on the sidelines of the conference after Ramaphosa’s reelection, Dlamini-Zuma said she hoped the ANC could rebuild trust with voters.
“I hope that the future can be better for the ANC, that it can be stronger and that it can be more responsive to the people,” she said. “I hope that the people can trust the ANC.”
Conference Delayed By Leadership Battles
The ANC’s five day conference was dominated largely by leadership contests and internal political maneuvering, leaving little time for delegates to debate or adopt new policy proposals.
Party officials also delayed announcing results for the election of the ANC’s 80 member National Executive Committee, one of the party’s most influential governing bodies.
Newly elected ANC secretary general Fikile Mbalula said the conference would reconvene in January to finalize policy discussions and complete unfinished business.
The gathering was also slowed by administrative delays during the registration of delegates, further limiting time for broader policy debates.
Ramaphosa’s reelection may strengthen his grip on the ANC for now, but analysts say ongoing economic pressures and corruption controversies are likely to continue testing both his leadership and the party’s popularity ahead of the next national vote.
