Mbeki questions Ramaphosa’s leadership amid coalition challenges

Political analyst Moeletsi Mbeki has raised concerns about President Cyril Ramaphosa’s leadership, arguing that his inability to assert control over his party and government has contributed to instability within the ANC and the broader coalition government.

Ramaphosa struggles to control ANC and Cabinet

Speaking on the SMWX podcast with Sizwe Mpofu-Walsh, Mbeki described Ramaphosa as lacking authority within the ANC.

“I think President Ramaphosa has been a very weak president for the ANC. He’s not been able, first to control his own party, he’s not really controlling the ANC. He’s not controlling his Cabinet, which is why, you know, ministers say all sorts of things,” he said.

Mbeki pointed to contradictions among ministers as evidence of Ramaphosa’s lack of control, particularly highlighting Mineral Resources and Energy Minister Gwede Mantashe’s stance on coal.

“Gwede Mantashe says one thing, the government decides we have to do something about green energy he says, no, he’s going to keep burning coal, and he’s still a minister, despite contradicting what the government is saying,” Mbeki said.

Not part of ANC’s ‘inner circle’

Mbeki further claimed that Ramaphosa does not have a significant influence on ANC power structures.

“I think he sees himself as weak in the scheme of things. You know the ANC has its inner circles, so he feels he is not part of the inner circle, so he hasn’t got the muscle to enforce the ANC’s own decisions.”

Ramaphosa’s chaotic government of national unity

Mbeki argued that Ramaphosa’s leadership style has led to disorganization, which has now extended into the government of national unity.

“What you have is a rather hectic and chaotic government and it becomes more hectic and chaotic now that is in partnership with other political parties in the government of national unity,” he said.

With the ANC now working alongside other political parties, Mbeki’s remarks raise questions about whether Ramaphosa will be able to navigate the complexities of coalition governance while maintaining control over his own party.