Cyril Ramaphosa
As the ANC gears up for its National General Council, President Cyril Ramaphosa urges delegates to face the country's pressing socio-economic challenges head-on, as whispers of internal strife and leadership battles loom large.
As the African National Congress (ANC) prepares to kick off its National General Council (NGC), President Cyril Ramaphosa has called on delegates to confront the socio-economic challenges that persist in South Africa, notably poverty, inequality, and child hunger.
The NGC, which begins on Monday, comes at a time when the ANC appears to be grappling not just with its policy direction, but also with whispers of internal power struggles and succession debates.
Speaking at a Presidential Gala Dinner held at Birchwood Hotel & O.R. Tambo Conference Centre on Sunday, Ramaphosa laid bare the urgent issues that the nation faces. "We need to address the challenge of poverty, unemployment, and continuous inequality," he stated. "We will need to discuss further actions that we will need to take to further stimulate inclusive growth, especially for young people. The NGC will also need to consider the high levels of hunger and malnutrition."
This gathering comes at a vital crossroads for the party, following reports of potential leadership changes that the ANC has swiftly attempted to dismiss. Potentially overshadowing substantive discussions on policy reforms, the air is thick with speculation about who might lead the party in upcoming elections. However, ANC Minister Fikile Mbalula emphasised that this NGC is about reflection and not succession debates, asserting that the focus will instead be on the party’s drive for renewal.
"The NGC is where the movement pauses, reflects, evaluates its progress, and strengthens its programme to transform the lives of our people," Mbalula remarked. "It is a moment of accountability and renewal; a moment to reaffirm the ANC as the only organisation capable of leading meaningful social and economic transformation in South Africa."
Additionally, Ramaphosa addressed the pressing issue of trade tariffs imposed by US President Donald Trump, which have hit South African goods with retaliatory tariffs as steep as 40%.
In response, Ramaphosa highlighted the need for diversification, stating, "In the midst of a turbulent trading environment and steeply rising tariffs, we are finding an appetite for South African goods in the new markets. We are travelling to many countries in the world."
