Phaahla denies plot to oust Ramaphosa

ANC NEC member and Deputy Minister of Health Dr Joe Phaahla has strongly rejected allegations that he is part of a plot to overthrow President Cyril Ramaphosa. The claims were published by the Sunday World in its 30 November 2025 edition, alleging that several ANC figures were involved in efforts to unseat the president amid ongoing tensions within the party.

In a statement issued on Monday, Phaahla dismissed the report as baseless and defamatory. He said he regarded the allegations as “utter rubbish and pure hogwash,” adding that those behind the claims were attempting to sow division within the governing party. “These fabrications are the work of desperate individuals attempting to drive a wedge between myself as an NEC member and lifelong activist of the African National Congress for nearly five decades, and my President,” he said.

Phaahla invoked the warnings of the late ANC president Oliver Tambo about “wedge drivers” who create suspicion and mistrust within the movement. He said the allegations were part of a “destructive agenda” aimed at undermining the unity of the ANC and tarnishing his reputation among party members. “I reject these malicious, outrageous and fallacious accusations that are devoid of any truth with the contempt they deserve,” he said.

He emphasised his continued support for Ramaphosa, saying his confidence in the president stemmed from shared values and commitment to the ANC’s renewal agenda. Phaahla noted that he had consistently backed collective decisions of the organisation and worked to promote unity, stability and transformation under Ramaphosa’s leadership.

The statement comes as the ANC navigates internal pressures ahead of critical national discussions, including preparations for the party’s midterm review and ongoing debates over governance performance. In recent months, the party has publicly grappled with factional disputes, questions over policy direction, and disagreements within the National Executive Committee. Senior leaders, including Secretary General Fikile Mbalula, have repeatedly urged members to refrain from spreading unverified claims that could destabilise the organisation.

The ANC has not yet issued an official response to the allegations involving Phaahla, but party insiders say the leadership is concerned about recurring media reports suggesting internal plots and divisions. Phaahla said any suggestion that he is working against the president is “false” and “an affront to the truth and to the leadership collective of the ANC.”

The allegations published by the Sunday newspaper form part of a series of reports speculating about leadership tensions within the governing party. Phaahla said he remains committed to advancing the ANC’s mission and serving the people of South Africa.