Ramaphosa seen as least objec
Power cuts, crime, and unexplained cash have tarnished the presidency of Cyril Ramaphosa. Tim Cocks reports from Johannesburg.
SOUTH Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa is beset by crises that have cast doubt on his presidency and left him vulnerable to a leadership challenge as his party begins the process of selecting candidates for the next national election.
As clouds gather, analysts and party insiders say his best chance of survival is that many in the governing African National Congress (ANC) see him as the least objectionable nominee — both to investors and voters — in the 2024 polls, which could see the party lose its parliamentary majority for the first time since white minority rule ended nearly three decades ago.
ANC members will choose their party leader, and hence presidential nominee, in December, but the battle lines are being drawn now, with power blocks coalescing around candidates at gatherings to elect provincial party officials, and at a national policy conference last month.
Challengers include former health minister Zweli Mkhize, Tourism Minister Lindiwe Sisulu and Duduzane Zuma, son of the former president Jacob Zuma.
‘‘It’s severely dented, but [Ramaphosa] still retains more trust than the other alternative political leaders,’’ Susan Booysen, director of research at the Mapungubwe Institute for
Strategic Reflection, said.
‘‘The alternatives would have to show they’ve got credibility.’’
Unpopular
The ANC has never been so unpopular.
Struggling state power company Eskom has imposed its worst power cuts in more than two years. Poor service delivery resulted in the ANC’s support in municipal polls in November dropping below 50% for the first time.
A looting spree a year ago and mass shootings in July highlighted police failures and yawning wealth inequalities.
And a $US4 million
($NZ6 million) heist at Ramaphosa’s private farm in June raised questions about his vast wealth — awkward for a leader who won his ticket on a promise to clean up endemic graft.