WHO’S THE BOSS?

Ramaphosa is not a strong political leader, says political analyst Professor André Duvenhage.

“He is not a guy who will tackle an issue. Since he’s been in office, the country has gone down more, despite his actions. I am talking not only about corruption and state capture, but the state of institutions such as Eskom.”

Ramaphosa doesn’t present himself well, Duvenhage adds. “A leader needs to be robust and more aggressive. I think that aspect is missing in his way of approaching things and it is extremely problematic because it affects his standing.”

But don’t write him off just yet. The president’s support in his own party has dwindled in parts of the country, but Booysen says he remains a powerful figure in the ANC. He’s still the ANC’s strongest presidential candidate, she adds.

“In the 2019 elections he was a major factor in ensuring victory for the ANC. And despite voters’ trust in him declining, he remains the most recognised of ANC leaders and still the most trusted.”

Duvenhage says that while Ramaphosa may not have the strongest footing within the ANC, none of his opponents can match him.

“There is really a lack of strong leadership within the structures of the ANC. Some of them are very controversial and this strengthens his position – but it does not make him a strong president.”