President Ramaphosa says breakaway factions will never weaken ANC

President Ramaphosa says breakaway factions will never weaken ANC! African National Congress (ANC) President Cyril Ramaphosa has reaffirmed the resilience of the ruling party, stating that breakaway factions and new political formations will never succeed in weakening its foundation.

Speaking during the ANC’s January 8th statement in Khayelitsha, Ramaphosa addressed internal challenges while expressing confidence in the party’s ability to weather political storms.

Weak Branches and Electoral Losses

Ramaphosa acknowledged that the ANC’s performance at the polls has been adversely affected by weaknesses within its structures. “Weak branches cost the party,” he admitted, reflecting on the ANC’s struggles during the May 2024 general elections, where the party faced significant losses. However, he underscored the importance of renewal and reform within the ANC to address these shortcomings.

Despite these challenges, Ramaphosa maintained that the ANC’s legacy and mission remain intact. He assured supporters that efforts are underway to rebuild and strengthen the party from the grassroots level, emphasizing that its foundational principles continue to resonate with South Africans.

The Threat of Splinter Groups

Ramaphosa also took a firm stance against breakaway factions, particularly the uMkhonto weSizwe (MK) Party, founded by his predecessor Jacob Zuma. Without naming the party directly, Ramaphosa acknowledged that the emergence of such formations had impacted the ANC’s support, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, a traditional stronghold of the ruling party.

“They think they will weaken the ANC. They will never defeat the ANC,” Ramaphosa said, dismissing these groups as distractions rather than genuine threats to the party’s dominance. He described the rhetoric of splinter groups as hollow and accused them of aligning with forces opposed to meaningful transformation in South Africa.

“Some of these parties masquerade as more radical than the ANC, but their revolutionary-sounding rhetoric cannot hide the reality that they have common cause with the forces opposing transformation,” he added.

State Capture and Its Aftermath

Reflecting on the damage caused by state capture, Ramaphosa admitted that the ANC has faced severe internal challenges over the years. Corruption and mismanagement during this period, he said, had eroded trust in the party and weakened its organizational structures.

However, he expressed confidence in the ANC’s ability to recover and adapt. “State capture destroyed the ANC from within,” Ramaphosa conceded, but he emphasized that the party remains committed to rooting out corruption and ensuring accountability within its ranks.

Coalitions and Shared Power

One of the key outcomes of the 2024 elections was the ANC’s loss of its outright majority, forcing the party to enter coalitions to retain power. While this marked a significant shift in South African politics, Ramaphosa stressed that the ANC remains the dominant force in government.

“The ANC may have lost its majority in government that’s forced it to share power, but it remains in charge,” he said. Ramaphosa highlighted the importance of unity and discipline within the party to navigate this new political landscape effectively.

Looking Ahead

The January 8th statement, a significant annual event for the ANC, serves as a platform to outline the party’s priorities and address its supporters. This year’s address reflected a blend of introspection and optimism, with Ramaphosa striking a balance between acknowledging past failures and reaffirming the ANC’s vision for the future.

As the ANC gears up for its next phase of renewal, Ramaphosa called on members and supporters to rally behind the party’s mission of advancing transformation and addressing the country’s socio-economic challenges. He emphasized the importance of unity in overcoming internal divisions and external pressures.

Conclusion

Ramaphosa’s address in Khayelitsha underscored his determination to lead the ANC through a period of significant change and challenge. While acknowledging the impact of splinter groups, state capture, and coalition governance, he projected confidence in the party’s ability to rebuild and maintain its position as a leading force in South African politics. Whether the ANC can effectively translate this vision into tangible results will be crucial in determining its long-term relevance and success.

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