In South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa renews as president of ruling party

This vote opens the way to a second term of President Ramaphosa, if the African National Congress (ANC), increasingly contested against the backdrop of unemployment and energy crisis, is winning the general elections of 2024.

mo12345lemonde with AFP

The African National Congress (ANC), in power in South Africa, renewed his trust in Cyril Ramaphosa on Monday, December 19 to carry out the movement and, therefore, lead the country. Mr. Ramaphosa, 70, who remains popular with opinion despite a recent scandal, obtained 2,476 votes from the ANC delegates. His sole competitor and ex-minister of health, Zweli Mkhize, 66, obtained 1,897.

This vote opens the way to a second term of President Ramaphosa, if the ANC, increasingly contested against the backdrop of unemployment and energy crisis, wins the general elections of 2024.

During the long hours preceding the vote, which continued on Sunday until late, uncertainty reigned. Mr. Mkhize threatened to hear the president who enjoyed a comfortable advance a few days earlier. Mr. Ramaphosa started favorite, widely in mind during the appointment of the candidates in the running in November and dubbed by the ANC, who saved him from a dismissal procedure last week in Parliament.

The president is accused of having kept liages of dirty money, preferring to stifle the case when intruders stole this money during a burglary in 2020. During his speech on Friday evening at the ‘Opening of the party congress, Mr. Ramaphosa had been noisily interrupted by dozens of delegates, singing and tapping on the tables, mimicking a reel with their hands to call for change.

perceived as an affable leader

The choice of the next vice-president was expected too. The ANC has elected to this position, which traditionally serves as a launch ramp for future presidents, Paul Mashatile, 61, from the poorest township of Johannesburg, who was so far treasurer of the party.

If Mr. Ramaphosa, who is not currently charged, was caught up in the scandal of Phala Phala – named after his property where the burglary took place in 2020 – the Constitution provides that it is his vice-president which succeeds him.

Recent polls show that Mr. Ramaphosa, perceived as an affable and posed leader, remains appreciated by South Africans. Much more than the party, torn by rival factions and losing ground in the ballot box for ten years against a background of poverty, serious inequalities, crime and incessant power cuts, which disturb the economy.

In view of the general elections of 2024, the ANC has no other personality as credible than Mr. Ramaphosa, who remains his best asset, fall under many analysts.