KEITH GOTTSCHALK|
SOUTH African President Cyril Ramaphosa has delivered a speech to mark the anniversary of the formation of the African National Congress (ANC) over which he also presides as president. It was the party’s 110th birthday.
As long as it is the governing party, its 8th January statement concerns not only its members and commentators, but also all South Africans.
Analysing the speech requires the recognition that the ANC is in one of the toughest corners it’s been in since leading the first democratic government in 1994. Ramaphosa’s performance needs to be understood in this context.
Ramaphosa became president of the ANC in 2017 by a razor-thin majority. Ace Magashule of the opposing faction won the key post of Secretary-General, with powers over branches.
In the intervening five years Magashule has had to step aside due to prosecution for corruption.
The next elective conference will be held in December,
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