Gayton: ANC would make a ‘massive mistake’ if Ramaphosa is axed

Patriotic Alliance (PA) leader Gayton McKenzie has defended calls for President Cyril Ramaphosa to step down, saying that it would be a “massive mistake” for the ANC.

His remarks follow growing speculation that Ramaphosa may resign after the upcoming G20 summit, which starts this weekend.

Addressing his supporters on Facebook live on Sunday night, McKenzie said tensions within the ANC were escalating.

“Patriots, let me tell you tonight: there’s war. The war has started,” he said. 

“If you check the news, I am told the president told them, ‘Give me the date that you want me to resign.’

“Apparently, there are people in dark corners who want the president to go, which would be a massive mistake.”

McKenzie, who is the Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture in the Government of National Unity, insisted that South Africa had “turned the corner”, claiming that economic indicators were improving under Ramaphosa.

He added: “In the third quarter, we created close to 300,000 jobs. So the GNU is really taking the country up now. 

“Don’t believe me; listen to the foremost experts on these issues. We did this under President Cyril Ramaphosa.”

McKenzie added that efforts made last year were “starting to bear fruit”.

“It would be a great mistake for them to want to move Ramaphosa and come with a new king - not now,” he said. “We are being led into prosperity.”

Since the GNU was formed after the May 2024 elections, McKenzie has regularly praised Ramaphosa - largely because his party is now part of the government.

Rumours have circulated suggesting Ramaphosa may step down shortly after the G20 Heads of State Summit in Johannesburg, taking place from 22 to 23 November. 

The speculation has been fuelled by claims of internal pressure within the ANC.

The ANC, however, has strongly denied the reports.

Speaking at a media briefing over the weekend, ANC’s acting national spokesperson Nonceba Mhlauli rejected suggestions that Ramaphosa was in a “departure lounge”.

She said: “I’m not sure what departure lounge that is. As far as we are concerned, there is no departure lounge in the national executive committee.”