Cyril Ramaphosa Urges ANC to Revitalize Governance Amidst Critics' Skepticism

In a bid to rejuvenate the fading fortunes of the African National Congress (ANC), President Cyril Ramaphosa has called upon party members to tackle pressing local governance issues. However, political analysts caution that it may be too late for such efforts to reverse the party's electoral decline.

During the ANC's January 8 statement delivered at Moruleng Stadium in North West, Ramaphosa pinpointed the challenges undermining voter trust, declaring the party's commitment to improving basic service delivery as a top priority for the upcoming 2026 elections.

Ramaphosa's Call for Action

Addressing the ANC's anniversary celebrations, Ramaphosa highlighted critical concerns plaguing municipalities, including potholes, water shortages, corruption, and the adverse effects of ongoing power cuts. He urged ANC members to rectify these issues to rebuild confidence among the electorate, although some supporters remain hopeful for a comeback.

The ANC faced significant losses in the 2024 National General Elections, leading to coalition formations to maintain a semblance of power at various levels.

An Analyst's Perspective on the ANC's Future

In an exclusive conversation with Briefly News, political analyst Mzoxolo Mpolase shared insights regarding the party's efforts to win back public support.

Mpolase warned that restoring trust might be an uphill battle, citing the deep-rooted damage sustained over the years. He emphasized the necessity for the ANC to abandon practices like cadre deployment and enforce accountability for any misconduct.

“They need to deliver visibly on the basics, like power, water, safety, municipalities, and properly functioning provincial and national departments. Drop liberation nostalgia and govern like a modern administrative party. Without this, the ANC’s future is permanent and irreversible decline managed through coalitions,” he stated.

Reflecting on the shifting perception of the ANC, Mpolase noted the party's transformation from a beacon of hope to one that evokes anger and resignation.

“It is seen as the party still in power while the country deteriorates. Where it once inspired hope, confidence, and patience, it now inspires fatigue, anger, and resignation,” he said.

He further remarked that the waning support for the ANC is more a matter of habit and identity than a belief in its ability to rectify the country's challenges.

“Much of the remaining support is driven by identity, habit, those still feeding at the trough, namely cadres, and a diminishing fear of alternatives, rather than any genuine belief that the ANC can fix the country,” Mpolase stated.

Ramaphosa's Comments on AfriForum

In another notable remark, Ramaphosa condemned the activities of AfriForum, linking their rhetoric surrounding 'white genocide' to broader themes of political manipulation and racism.

These statements came during the ANC's 114th birthday celebrations on January 10, 2026, reiterating a tense political climate as the party grapples with legacy issues and public sentiment.